Watch: “Sets platform for…”- Azhar Mahmood blasts at PCB after Babar Azam’s century during PSL 2026

The former Pakistan coach, Azhar Mahmood, has blasted at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their use of Babar Azam during the T20 World Cup 2026. He reckoned that the number where the former captain batter in the shortest format during the competition wasn’t suitable for him. 

Babar, meanwhile, celebrated a fine knock of unbeaten 100 runs off just 52 balls with the help of six boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 192.31 for the Peshawar Zalmi during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 against the Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Azhar Mahmood hits back at PCB after Babar’s century in PSL 2026

Mahmood reckoned that Babar didn’t get the right number to bat, besides remarking that his career strike rate hasn’t been far away from Sahibzada Farhan’s 135 in the shortest format, which is the most aggressive batter of the T20Is for Pakistan.

“The problem for Babar Azam was what was demanded from him. He was forced to bat at number 4 in the World Cup for his low strike rate. Now if I will come to the strike rate of others, the best batter of Pakistan in the WC was Sahibzada Farhan. Even he has a strike rate about 135 in T20Is.” Mahmood expressed in the press conference.

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“Babar has 128 strike rates so there's not much difference. We should admit that Pakistan doesn't have 190-200 strike rate players. Babar Azam should be utilized properly like we utilized him in this PSL. He sets the platform for the other batters to hit the ball.” He added.

Babar, coming into the presentation, acknowledged how this century would give him so much trust going forward. He also thanked the coaches for the free approach and mindset.

“Scoring a hundred always feels special, no matter how many you’ve made before, and there’s a different kind of satisfaction in reaching that milestone again; when I took that run off the last ball, I had a slight doubt because after playing the shot I felt I might be late, but then when I completed it and realized I had gotten there, it brought out a completely different emotion.” The veteran addressed.

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Peshawar posted a massive score of 255 runs for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs. Kusal Mendis also contributed 83 runs off 44 balls before Karachi Kings got bundled out for 137 for the Zalmi to continue their unbeaten campaign with a 118-run win.

Fans react to Mahmood’s comments on PCB after Babar’s century

Here is how the fans reacted to Mahmood’s comments on the Pakistan board after Babar’s century-