Babar Azam Set to Return to Domestic First-Class Cricket on September 24
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to make his long-awaited return to domestic first-class cricket on September 24, when he becomes available for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
OGDCL sports head Farah Batool confirmed that Babar and emerging fast bowler Ali Raza will be available for selection for the department’s third-round fixture against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).
Babar’s Domestic Return Confirmed
Babar Azam last featured in domestic first-class cricket 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 to claim the championship.
The 31-year-old was initially expected to join OGDCL on September 17 after returning from the United Kingdom. Batool had previously indicated that Babar would decide after joining the squad whether to play in the second or third round.
The latest update has now confirmed that the Pakistan captain will make his domestic comeback in OGDCL’s third-round match against KRL, beginning September 24.
Batool also confirmed that Babar is expected to feature in at least the third and fourth rounds of the competition.
Babar Returns After International Assignments
Babar recently led Pakistan in Test cricket during away series against the West Indies and England after being reappointed as captain.
His return to the domestic setup will give him an opportunity to get more first-class cricket under his belt while representing OGDCL in the ongoing President’s Trophy.
Ali Raza Also Available for OGDCL
Alongside Babar, promising fast bowler Ali Raza will also be available for OGDCL’s third-round fixture against KRL in Abbottabad.
Farah Batool revealed that the 18-year-old pacer had already been signed by OGDCL for the current edition of the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
The addition of both players strengthens OGDCL’s squad as the department looks to build on its opening-round performance.
OGDCL’s President’s Trophy Schedule
OGDCL began its campaign with a draw against Pakistan Television (PTV) in the opening round.
Before facing KRL in the third round, OGDCL is scheduled to play Kingsmen Academy at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar from September 18 to 21.
The third-round encounter against KRL is scheduled to begin on September 24, marking Babar Azam’s first domestic first-class appearance since 2019.
