Peshawar Zalmi have decided to retain captain Babar Azam for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), while opting to release opener Saim Ayub ahead of the players’ draft, sources said.
According to insiders, both Babar Azam and Saim Ayub were placed in the franchise’s platinum category. PSL rules allow teams to retain only one player in each category, forcing Zalmi to make a key selection.
As a result, Saim Ayub will now be available in the PSL player auction and can be picked by any franchise.
The decision comes as PSL teams finalize their retention lists. Franchises are expected to officially confirm which players they will keep later today.
Babar Azam has led Peshawar Zalmi in recent seasons and remains one of the league’s most high-profile players, making his retention a major strategic move for the franchise.