Babar Azam and Other Test Players Join President’s Trophy Squads
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Several Pakistan Test cricketers and Under-19 players have joined departmental teams ahead of the third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I, adding experience and depth to the domestic competition.
The third round is scheduled to begin on Thursday, with matches taking place in Islamabad, Abbottabad and Peshawar.
Babar Azam joins OGDCL
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and emerging batter Razaullah have joined Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) for their upcoming match against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.
KRL have also strengthened their squad with mystery spinner Usman Tariq.
Naseem Shah returns to SNGPL
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) have received a boost with the return of Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah and top-order batter Abdullah Shafique.
The team will also have Pakistan Under-19 players Farhan Yousuf, Abdul Subhan and Hamza Zahoor available for the third-round fixture.
SNGPL are looking to respond after suffering a defeat against Ghani Glass in the second round.
Aamir Jamal added to MIT Solutions
MIT Solutions have included fast bowler Aamir Jamal in their squad as they strengthen their bowling department.
The team’s bowlers delivered 158 overs during their second-round match against KRL, making additional bowling options important for the upcoming fixture.
More experienced players join teams
Abdullah Fazal has joined State Bank of Pakistan, while Test batter Saud Shakeel has become part of the Kingsmen Academy squad.
Kingsmen Academy will be looking for an improved batting performance after struggling with the bat during their second-round defeat against OGDCL.
Pakistan Television have also added left-arm spinner Ali Usman to their squad. He is set to make his first appearance for PTV after an impressive 2025-26 domestic season.
PTV have drawn both of their matches so far and will be aiming for their first win when they face Kingsmen Academy at Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad.
Ghani Glass strengthen pace attack
Ghani Glass, who have already produced strong performances with their fast bowlers, have added Ubaid Shah for their match against State Bank of Pakistan at National Ground in Islamabad.
All-rounder Shadab Khan and left-arm spinner Noman Ali are also expected to join the Ghani Glass squad ahead of the fourth round.
The arrival of established Pakistan players is expected to add further quality and competitiveness to the President’s Trophy as teams continue their campaigns in the domestic first-class tournament.
