Watch: “Lean period…”- Former Pakistan star reacts to wrong treatment of Babar Azam during PSL 2026

Babar Azam, leading the Peshawar Zalmi during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, has gone through a clinical campaign with the bat as he has smashed 301 runs in six innings at an average of 75.25 and a strike rate of 132.59, thanks to a couple of half-centuries at the best score of undefeated 87 runs. 

During the recent PSL 2026 contest against the Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi, Babar Azam drilled an unbeaten knock of 71 runs off 51 deliveries at a strike rate of 139.22, shouldering on 10 boundaries as they completed the easy chase of 156 runs by eight wickets with nine balls to spare.

Aamer Sohail slams Pakistan fans for wrong treatment of Babar Azam

The former Pakistan star, Aamer Sohail, has slammed the criticism from Pakistan fans regarding their perceived mistreatment of Babar, who has already become a superstar in their cricket. He reckoned that a lean period would be common for every cricketer, and every great player has experienced it. 

“See, I feel sorry for this. The thing is very simple. Babar is one of those players who, despite all his achievements, gets criticized a lot. He has already become the superstar of Pakistan Cricket. And a lean period comes for everyone in their career.” Sohail expressed it in the presentation ceremony.

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“If you talk about Virat Kohli, he had a lean period, and for two years, he did nearly nothing. But he stood up with confidence and scored runs. They won the World Cup for him. If you talk about the other great players- for instance, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, or our former players, and even Javed Miandad- everyone has gone through the lean patch.” The former player addressed.

Sohail also congratulated Babar for celebrating 100 half-centuries in the T20s, which is a huge feat in the shortest format.

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“So, everyone needs that support rather than being criticized. Before everything, I want to congratulate Babar that he has scored 100 fifties, but unfortunately, people don’t give him the recognition.” The 59-year-old added.

Babar Azam celebrates supreme T20 landmark

Babar has become the 11th leading run-getter in the shortest format with the help of 12206 runs in 341 innings at an average of 42.38 and a strike rate of 128.41 with the help of 11 centuries and 100 half-centuries.

The former Pakistan captain has become just the fourth player, alongside Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, and David Warner, to cross 100 fifties in their T20 career. He hopes to continue the same dominance with the bat for the rest of the PSL 2026 to keep the Peshawar Zalmi at the top of the points table.