Babar Returns to Domestic First-Class Cricket After Seven Years in Bid to Rediscover Form
- On Tuesday, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam joined Oil & Gas Development Company Limited as a guest player for the ongoing President's Trophy Grade 1 first-class tournament after requesting the PCB to place him in a squad.
- The Pakistan Cricket Board mandates central contract holders participate in domestic first-class matches annually. Babar had not played in such a tournament since 2019, when he led Central Punjab to victory in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final.
- Since December 2022, Babar has not scored a Test century, averaging 30.43 since 2023. He recorded only eight half-centuries in 39 innings, including an 18-innings stretch without exceeding 41.
- Fast-Bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal has similarly joined first-class debutants MITS as a guest player, reflecting broader participation by international cricketers. Babar's arrival aims to strengthen OGDCL, which struggled against Pakistan Television in the first round.
- Pakistan currently ranks ninth in ICC Test standings and sits at the bottom of the nine-team World Test Championship table, positions the team held in the previous cycle. Domestic appearances like Babar's aim to address recent performance challenges.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Babar Azam set for domestic First-Class return, to play President’s Trophy
According to reports, the Pakistan Test captain will turn up for Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), marking his return to the domestic FC cricket after seven years since he last played for Central Punjab in 2019.
Babar Azam turns to domestic cricket after 7 years amid prolonged Test form struggles
Pakistan Test skipper Babar Azam’s dip in form has seen him turn to domestic cricket, with the batter set to represent Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) as a guest player in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade 1 first-class tournament.
Babar Azam turns to domestic cricket after 7 years amid prolonged Test form struggles - The Tribune
Pakistan Test skipper Babar Azam’s dip in form has seen him turn to domestic cricket, with the batter set to represent Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) as a guest player in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade 1 first-class tournament.
As Pakistan spirals in WTC, Babar Azam returns to domestic cricket for first time in 7 years
Babar Azam is set to return to Pakistan's domestic red-ball cricket for the first time since 2019. His return comes after a prolonged lean run in Test cricket and Pakistan's 3-0 series defeat to England.
Babar Azam: Pakistan cricket team's Test captain Babar Azam has taken a big decision to deal with his poor form and criticism. Babar Azam, who has been struggling with poor form for a long time, is now returning to domestic first-class cricket after almost 7 years. To regain his old form, he will play as a guest player for the OGDCL team in the President's Trophy. Babar Azam, one of the biggest faces of Pakistan cricket, is once again ready to s…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
