Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has expressed disappointment following the team's exit from the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, as the 2017 champions failed to qualify for the playoffs stage for the first time in the tournament's history.

Afridi took to social media platform X to address the team's loyal supporters in a heartfelt message.

Acknowledging the pain of defeat, he reaffirmed the franchise's commitment to growth, player development, and a stronger comeback in future seasons.

"To our passionate Zalmi fans: This season's outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers. "Major changes" are coming—we'll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah.

Request to all Zalmi Fans, as a national product, let's unite to support all PSL teams in the spirit of cricket!

Shehzad backs Babar

Pakistan's opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has come out in support of Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam following their elimination from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Zalmi's campaign came to an end after a 26-run defeat to Lahore Qalandars in their final league-stage match on Sunday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Taking to social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), Shehzad defended Babar Azam and questioned why the burden of expectations always falls on a single player.

"Yes, Babar Azam is out of form. Yes, his last 50 was slow. But why is all the pressure always on him? Cricket is a team game. What are the other 10 doing? He was taking risks today which was the right approach. Where are the rest of the batters when it matters the most? Accountability can't be selective," Shehzad wrote.

It is pertinent to mention that the Babar-led Peshawar Zalmi's consistent run in the PSL playoffs came to an abrupt end with a 26-run defeat to Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi.

The rain-hit game saw Zalmi chasing a target of 150 in 13 overs but managing only 123 for 8.

The result ended one of the most consistent legacies in PSL history. Since the league's inception, Zalmi had never missed the knockout stage—clinching the title in 2017 under Darren Sammy's leadership and reaching four finals overall.

For the unversed, Zalmi concluded their 2025 PSL campaign with four wins and six defeats in ten matches, finishing with eight points and a negative net run-rate of -0.293.

This marks the end of one of the most consistent runs in PSL history. Since the league's inception, Zalmi had never missed the knockout stage. They lifted the trophy in 2017 under Darren Sammy and reached the final four times in total.

For the unversed, Zalmi concluded their 2025 PSL campaign with four wins and six losses from ten matches, finishing with eight points and a net run-rate of -0.293.

Meanwhile, the playoff picture will become clearer after today's match between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United in Rawalpindi.

Quetta Gladiators will face either Karachi Kings or Islamabad United in the first Qualifier on May 21 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The winner of that match will secure a direct spot in the final of PSL 10.