Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to return to domestic first-class cricket after a lengthy absence from the red-ball circuit.
Babar is expected to represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition. He could face Kingsmen Academy in the match beginning September 18, although the final decision depends on his return to Pakistan.
When will Babar play?
OGDCL sports head Farah Batool said Babar was scheduled to return to Pakistan on September 16 and join the team the following day.
He could play against Kingsmen Academy or wait for OGDCL’s next match against KRL, starting on September 24.
Babar’s first-class return
Babar last played domestic first-class cricket in December 2019, when he represented Central Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final. His return follows the PCB’s renewed focus on centrally contracted players competing in domestic red-ball cricket.
The PCB offered Babar to OGDCL as a guest player after his return from the United Kingdom.
Why the return matters
Babar was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July. Domestic cricket will give him valuable red-ball preparation as he continues his international campaign.
Other Pakistan stars
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are also featuring in the President’s Trophy as the PCB encourages established players to gain more domestic experience.
