Pakistan captain Babar Azam is set to return to domestic first-class cricket for the first time in nearly seven years, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) keen to see him back in action following Pakistan’s disappointing Test tour of England.Babar to represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Kingsmen Academy in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I competition, starting September 18. His return comes after Pakistan suffered a 0-3 series whitewash in England and the PCB made sweeping changes to the touring squad and coaching staff.
PCB wants Babar back in red-ball cricket
Babar has not played domestic first-class cricket since 2019, when he represented Central Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. OGDCL sports head Farah Batool said the PCB had sent his name to the team for inclusion as a guest player.“Babar’s kit has been ordered and he will decide whether to play in the match from September 18 or from September 24 in the third-round game,” Batool said.
Shaheen, Haris among centrally contracted players in action
Babar is not the only centrally contracted Pakistan player featuring in domestic red-ball cricket after the England tour. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have also turned out for their respective teams in the President’s Trophy.Shaheen has represented KRL, claiming four wickets in an innings, while Haris picked up a five-wicket haul for PTV. Haris, who has played only one Test, against England in 2022, when he suffered an injury after bowling 13 overs, has expressed his willingness to return to Pakistan’s Test setup.“If I can be useful for Pakistan because of my pace, I would gladly play Test cricket,” he said.The fast bowler, who is primarily known for his T20 performances, had declined to play the Test series in Australia in December 2023, citing the need to manage his workload. His central contract was also suspended for a period before being restored.
Babar’s captaincy under scrutiny after England whitewash
Babar was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July and has since overseen a 1-1 series draw against the West Indies and a 0-3 defeat to England. The PCB’s decision to make seven changes to the squad and remove head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after the second Test at Lord’s reportedly came without consulting or informing Babar.Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test came inside three days, prompting major changes ahead of the final match of the series.
