Babar Azam Ready for Domestic Red-Ball Comeback After Seven Years

Babar Azam is set to return to domestic red-ball cricket after a seven-year gap, with several media reports saying that the Pakistan Test captain is expected to play in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I.

According to the reports, Babar Azam will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). Farah Batool, the department’s sports head, confirmed that the right-handed batter will return to Pakistan from the UK on September 16 and link up with the OGDCL squad the next day.

“Babar will arrive back in Pakistan from the UK on September 16 and will join the OGDCL squad the next day. His kit has been ordered.” said Farah Batool.

Babar last turned out in a domestic first-class match in December 2019. He was leading Central Punjab at the time and guided them to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title, with his side beating Northern by an innings and 16 runs in the final on December 30.

The 31-year-old was given the Pakistan Test captaincy again in July and has since led the team in two series. Pakistan drew the two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1 before being beaten 3-0 by England.

OGDCL have already begun their President’s Trophy campaign with a match against Pakistan Television (PTV) in Islamabad. Their next game will be against Kingsmen Academy in Peshawar on September 18, before they meet Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) from September 24.

Speaking about Babar’s arrival, Farah said the Pakistan captain will decide himself whether he wants to feature in the second or third match of the season.

“Babar will decide upon his arrival if he plays from the second match or the third match,” said Farah Batool.

The PCB is believed to have offered Babar a spot with OGDCL as a guest player. His planned return is part of the board’s push to get more senior international cricketers involved in domestic first-class games.

Babar is not the only Pakistan regular taking part in the tournament. The national team’s ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has also turned out for KRL, while T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha is representing Kingsmen Academy in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I. Their performances will be closely monitored by the PCB throughout the tournament, as the board is keen to select only top domestic performers for future international assignments.