Pakistan Test Captain Babar Returns To Domestic Cricket For First Time Since 2019

Babar Returns to Domestic Redball for First Time Since 2019 🏏

Pak Test capt Babar Azam is heading back to the domestic circuit after a seven-year gap, with a clear aim to rediscover his touch with the bat. His last first-class appearance was back in Dec 2019, when he led Central Punjab to the QuaideAzam Trophy title.

Here's the clinical side to this decision: Babar's been signed as a guest player by OGDCL for the ongoing President's Trophy Grade 1 event. He lands back in Pak from the UK on Sept 16 and joins the squad the very next day. His kit's already ordered. Per OGDCL sports head Farah, Babar will decide on arrival whether he debuts in the 2nd or 3rd match — smart approach to manage his match fitness after such a long gap.

From a workload perspective, this is a calculated move. PCB's been pushing established stars into domestic FC cricket, and Babar isn't alone — ODIskipper Shaheen Shah Afridi is with KRL, while T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha is featuring for Kingsmen Academy.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Pak sit 9th in the ICC Test rankings and occupy the bottom spot in the WTC table — same position as the last cycle. They've also missed the knockouts of the last four ICC tournaments, including a quick exit from the home Champions Trophy in 2025.

For Babar, this is a genuine opportunity to rebuild form away from the international glare. His recent numbers need a boost, and consistent domestic minutes could be exactly what he needs.

Worth watching how his body responds to back-to-back FC matches after years of limited domestic exposure. 🩺

Source: IANS/Dawn

Source: Cricketnmore