Babar Azam Set to Return to Domestic First-Class Cricket
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to return to domestic red-ball cricket for the first time since 2019.
Babar will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I, the department’s sports head Farah Batool confirmed on Monday.
The batter last played domestic first-class cricket in December 2019. He then led Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title after defeating Northern by an innings and 16 runs in the final.
Babar to Join OGDCL Next Week
Babar is currently in the UK and will return to Pakistan on September 16.
“Babar will arrive back in Pakistan from the UK on Sept 16 and will join the OGDCL squad the next day,” Farah said.
“His kit has been ordered,” she added.
OGDCL are currently playing Pakistan Television in their opening President’s Trophy match in Islamabad.
The team will face Kingsmen Academy in Peshawar from September 18 before taking on Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) from September 24.
Babar will decide when to make his domestic return after joining the squad.
“Babar will decide upon his arrival if he plays from the second match or the third match,” Farah said.
PCB Offers Babar as Guest Player
Babar was reportedly offered to OGDCL by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a guest player.
His return comes as the PCB pushes established international players to take part in domestic first-class cricket.
Several prominent Pakistan players are already featuring in the President’s Trophy.
Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is representing KRL, while T20I captain Salman Ali Agha is playing for Kingsmen Academy.
Babar Ends Long Domestic Absence
Babar has faced criticism in the past for limited participation in domestic red-ball cricket as he established himself at international level.
His return comes during a difficult period with the bat in Test cricket.
Babar has not scored a Test century in the past four years.
He did, however, show signs of improved form during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies.
The batter scored 196 runs across two Tests and won the player-of-the-series award after finishing as the leading run-scorer.
Babar Struggles Against England
Babar endured a difficult Test series against England.
He scored eight, six, seven and 76 in his four innings during the series. He also missed the opening Test because of injury.
Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the series.
Babar was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July. Under his leadership, Pakistan drew their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1 before losing all three Tests against England.
His return to domestic cricket will give him an opportunity to spend more time in first-class conditions and regain consistency ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test commitments.
