Javed Afridi promises 'big changes' after Zalmi's PSL exit

Peshawar Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, which is a tough blow for the team and its fans. Team owner Javed Afridi, however, has promised major changes ahead.

Led by Babar Azam, Zalmi won only four out of ten matches in PSL 10. Their final chance to stay in the tournament ended with a loss to Lahore Qalandars in a rain-affected game in Rawalpindi. They lost by 26 runs, finishing their campaign with just 8 points and a negative net run rate of -0.293.

🚨 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…

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) May 18, 2025

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Javed Afridi expressed his disappointment but also shared hope for the future. He wrote, "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."

He also shared plans to connect more with fans in the upcoming seasons. He announced the launch of Fan Parks, a Zalmi fan zone inside stadiums, and exciting new marketing campaigns.

"This is not just a team, it's a movement," Afridi added. "As a national product, let's unite to support all PSL teams in the spirit of cricket."

Peshawar Zalmi has been one of the most consistent teams in PSL history, having won the title in 2017 and reached the final four times. Missing the playoffs for the first time marks a significant setback, but Afridi believes this is just a phase.