Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam has responded to remarks by former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez about players performing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Hafeez previously criticized the hype surrounding players performing in PSL, suggesting that the cycle of promotion and star-driven continues without genuine change in content or direction.
“The whistles will blow again — the stage will be set once more — the advertised superstars will come out — because our foundation is the PSL,” Hafeez had said during the T20 World Cup 2026 transmission.
Speaking on “Off Topic Podcast”, Babar said that Hafeez’s statement was his personal mindset.
“I can’t say anything about this because it is Mohammad Hafeez’s own mindset,” he said.
The 31-year-old emphasized that PSL is significant for players when representing a franchise, while the approach remains competitive.
“PSL is one of the best leagues in Pakistan, and every player gives their best. It’s not like you play differently when you are in the Pakistan team. However, this is franchise cricket, and entertainment plays a bigger role here,” he continued.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
He explained that team combinations and player distribution in franchise cricket make consistent performances difficult, saying that Mohammad Hafeez’s remarks were likely meant differently.
“In the Pakistan team, you always try to ensure that all 11 players perform. But in the PSL, players are divided into different teams. If someone is your best player, he might perform in one out of 10 matches,” Babar said.
“That’s why Hafeez’s way of saying it was different. How people interpret it is a different matter.”
Peshawar Zalmi captain pointed out that the ongoing PSL season has seen emerging and overseas players dominate performances, while highlighting Sahibzada Farhan’s consistency.
“If you look at PSL 11, most of the performers are youngsters or foreign players. The same players are not performing, although Sahibzada Farhan has maintained his form. There are always new faces, and every season brings new players — this process will continue.”
“Hafeez’s way of saying it was different, but people understood it differently,” Babar concluded.
READ: Rajasthan Royals sold for whopping price in mega IPL deal