Babar Azam Set to Return to Domestic Red-Ball Cricket After Nearly Seven Years
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to make his return to domestic first-class cricket after nearly seven years. The star batter will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament.
OGDCL sports head Farah Batool confirmed that Babar is expected to join the team after returning to Pakistan from the United Kingdom on September 16. He is scheduled to join the OGDCL squad on September 17.
“Babar will decide upon his arrival if he plays from the second match or the third match,” Farah said.
Babar Azam’s Domestic Cricket Return
Babar’s last domestic first-class appearance came in December 2019, when he captained Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. Central Punjab defeated Northern by an innings and 16 runs in the final.
His return comes as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) encourages leading international players to participate in domestic first-class cricket.
OGDCL are currently playing Pakistan Television in their opening President’s Trophy match in Islamabad. Their next fixture is against Kingsmen Academy in Peshawar from September 18, followed by a match against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) starting September 24.
According to reports, Babar was offered to OGDCL by the PCB as a guest player.
Babar Returns to Domestic Cricket
Several prominent Pakistan internationals are also taking part 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’s absence from domestic red-ball cricket had previously attracted criticism, particularly as he established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading batters.
The 31-year-old has also been working to regain consistency in Test cricket. During Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies, he was named Player of the Series after scoring 196 runs in two matches.
His performance against England was mixed, with scores of 8, 6, 7 and 76 in his four innings. He missed the first Test of the series due to injury.
Babar’s return to domestic first-class cricket is expected to provide him with valuable match practice as Pakistan prepares for its upcoming international commitments.
