Peshawar Zalmi star player Saim Ayub and its captain Babar Azam are reportedly set to part ways with the franchise ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) player auction.
If confirmed, the potential exits would represent a major shift for the franchise at a time when teams are finalizing their strategies ahead of the upcoming player auction.
Both players have been key components of Zalmi’s lineup in recent seasons, and their possible departure could have a major impact on the team’s balance and planning for PSL 11.
While neither the players nor the franchise have issued official confirmation, speculation surrounding their futures has intensified with the player auction expected to take place on January 30.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s former national captain and one of the league’s most prolific batters, has been a central figure for Peshawar Zalmi since joining the franchise.
In the Pakistan Super League, he has scored thousands of runs across seasons, cementing his status as a premier T20 batter with a strong PSL record overall.
In the 2025 PSL season, Babar scored runs consistently for Peshawar Zalmi, contributing significantly at the top of the order. According to league statistics, he was among the top run-scorers last season, although his tally was below some of his previous peaks.
On the other hand, Saim Ayub has also been a key performer for Zalmi. In 40 PSL matches, the left-handed opener has scored 974 runs at an impressive strike rate of 145.59, including eight half-centuries.
He has additionally contributed with the ball, taking 14 wickets, underlining his value as a multi-dimensional player.