For the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, Peshawar Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs—and owner Javed Afridi isn’t taking it lightly.
In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi addressed the team’s fan base after a disappointing HBL PSL 10 campaign that ended with just four wins out of ten matches.
The Babar Azam-led side’s last hope was extinguished after a rain-shortened, must-win game against Lahore Qalandars, which they lost by 26 runs in Rawalpindi.
“This season’s outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers,” Afridi wrote. “Major changes are coming—we’ll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah.”
🚨 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
Zalmi ended their campaign with 8 points and a negative net run-rate of -0.293, marking a significant fall for a team that had never missed the knockouts before.
Champions in 2017 and finalists four times, Zalmi had long been one of HBL PSL’s most consistent forces.
Yet Afridi struck a hopeful tone, promising that the “Yellow Storm” will return stronger.
He unveiled plans to expand fan engagement, announcing new Fan Parks, a Zalmi fan zone inside stadiums, and vibrant marketing campaigns for upcoming seasons.
“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.”
With sweeping changes on the horizon and Afridi reaffirming his focus on player development and team rebuilding, one thing is clear—Zalmi may be down, but they’re not out.