Babar Azam led Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 2026 title, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday (May 3).

Although Babar bagged a golden duck in the summit clash, he ended the season with 588 runs, finishing as the highest run-scorer.

Following the win, a reporter asked Babar if he would shift his focus to specific formats now. In response, the 31-year-old confirmed his commitment to all three forms of cricket.

"Tension na lein, teeno format kheloonga (Don't stress, I will play in all three formats)," Babar told the reporter in the press conference after interrupting his question.

He further remarked: "It's not for the player to decide [which format to skip]; a player's job is to play. In my opinion, every player should play every form of cricket. You shouldn't focus only on the white ball or T20s. Red-ball cricket gives you immense experience. It teaches you how to build an innings and gives you patience. When you play four-day cricket or any domestic circuit, you gain the experience of scoring 'long' runs. You should play all three formats because each one helps the other. Red ball helps you in T20s and ODIs. When you play Test matches, the patience and mindset you develop-the art of playing a long innings-benefit you significantly in white-ball cricket."

Babar expressed delight after tasting PSL success for the first time as captain. "Better late than never, sometimes things come to you late, and sometimes they happen quickly," he stated.

Following a challenging period in T20 cricket where his performance fell short of personal expectations, Babar Azam openly acknowledged his struggles, highlighting the need to analyze his mistakes and refocus on his "best abilities" with support from family and coaches.

"As far as batting is concerned, I definitely couldn't deliver according to the expectations I had for myself. But these things happen. Sometimes, you aren't able to execute your plans exactly how you wanted once you get out there. You try everything, but things just don't go your favor," Babar said.

"In those moments, what you do is try to take two steps back and look at yourself. You analyze your mistakes and try to rectify them. That's what I did. During that phase, the people closest to me provided immense support. You really need that support during such times. My family and close friends motivated me and kept talking to me about my 'best abilities.' I also tried to repeat the things I do best. I spoke with my coaches, had discussions, and worked on my game. Look, things move like a rollercoaster; life is never a stable, flat line. You learn, you do well, and you do poorly. That's just part of life."

Before a major turnaround in PSL 2026, Babar Azam endured a difficult T20 World Cup campaign, managing only 91 runs in four innings at a low strike rate of 112.34. He was even dropped from the Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on the turnaround, Babar said: "Look, when we came back from the World Cup, I hadn't performed according to expectations. As a player, you feel a bit down. But again, there was very little time. I only had about ten days. During that time, I sat down and looked at my mistakes and where my game plan seemed to be shifting. I worked on my technique and my mindset.”

"For this PSL (Pakistan Super League), my goal was simply this: I will play my natural game and stick to my cricketing shots. I decided to execute whatever the pitch conditions, the match situation, and the team demanded of me," he added.