Introduction
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to make his return to domestic red-ball cricket after nearly seven years, marking an important development in the country’s first-class cricket landscape.
The experienced batter is expected to represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament. His return comes after a long absence from Pakistan’s domestic first-class circuit, with his last appearance coming in December 2019 when he led Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title.
Babar’s return is particularly significant because the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently been encouraging established international players to participate in domestic first-class cricket. The move is intended to strengthen the domestic system and provide senior players with regular exposure to longer-format cricket.
According to Dawn, OGDCL’s sports head Farah Batool confirmed that Babar is expected to return to Pakistan from the United Kingdom on September 16 and join the OGDCL squad the following day. His exact first match will be decided after his arrival.
Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan’s Domestic Red-Ball Circuit
Babar Azam’s return to domestic first-class cricket comes after a gap stretching back to the end of 2019.
His last domestic first-class appearance was the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final on December 30, 2019. In that match, Babar led Central Punjab to the title after they defeated Northern by an innings and 16 runs.
Since then, his career has increasingly focused on international cricket and franchise competitions.
The decision to bring him back into domestic red-ball cricket therefore represents a notable change in his playing schedule.
Babar has established himself as one of Pakistan’s most important batters across formats, but regular domestic first-class appearances have become less frequent as his international responsibilities increased.
His return to the President’s Trophy now gives him an opportunity to play competitive red-ball cricket in Pakistan once again.
Why Babar’s Domestic Return Matters
First-class cricket is traditionally regarded as one of the most important foundations for Test cricket.
Unlike limited-overs matches, red-ball cricket requires batters to concentrate for long periods, manage changing conditions, build partnerships and adapt their techniques across different phases of an innings.
For an experienced Test batter such as Babar, returning to domestic cricket can provide competitive match practice in a longer format.
It can also give younger domestic players an opportunity to play alongside an established international cricketer.
Babar’s presence could increase attention around the President’s Trophy and potentially provide additional exposure to domestic cricket.
The tournament is designed to give Pakistan’s first-class players opportunities to compete at a high level, and the involvement of established internationals adds another dimension to that competition.
Babar Last Played Domestic First-Class Cricket in 2019
Babar’s last domestic first-class appearance came in December 2019.
At that time, he was already an important part of Pakistan’s international setup and was leading Central Punjab.
Central Punjab defeated Northern in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final by an innings and 16 runs, with Babar finishing that domestic campaign as the team’s leader.
Since then, he has spent most of his professional career playing international cricket and T20 leagues.
The gap between his last domestic appearance and expected return in September 2026 is almost seven years.
That explains why his return has attracted significant attention among Pakistani cricket followers.
OGDCL Set to Welcome Babar Azam
Babar is expected to join OGDCL for the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament.
According to Dawn, the Pakistan Cricket Board offered Babar to OGDCL as a guest player. The department’s sports head Farah Batool said that his playing kit had already been ordered.
Babar is expected to arrive back in Pakistan from the United Kingdom on September 16 before joining the OGDCL squad on September 17.
The team is already involved in the tournament, meaning Babar will enter an ongoing competition rather than beginning the campaign from the first match.
His exact date of appearance will depend on his decision after joining the squad.
Babar Could Play the Second or Third Match
OGDCL are currently playing Pakistan Television in their opening President’s Trophy match in Islamabad.
Their next fixture is against Kingsmen Academy in Peshawar, beginning on September 18.
They will then face Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) from September 24.
Farah Batool told Dawn that Babar would decide whether to play from the second match or the third match after arriving in Pakistan.
This means his first domestic appearance could come shortly after his return from the UK.
The decision will likely depend on his preparation, fitness and schedule.
PCB Pushes International Players Toward Domestic Cricket
Babar is not the only major Pakistan international involved in domestic red-ball cricket.
The PCB has recently encouraged established players to participate in domestic first-class competitions.
This approach reflects the importance of maintaining a strong connection between international cricket and the domestic structure.
Pakistan’s Test side needs players who are accustomed to long-format cricket, while domestic competitions need experienced cricketers who can contribute knowledge and experience to younger players.
Babar’s involvement is therefore part of a broader effort rather than an isolated decision.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Also Playing Domestic Cricket
Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is representing Khan Research Laboratories in the President’s Trophy.
His participation gives the tournament another high-profile international name.
Shaheen is primarily known for his role as one of Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers, while Babar provides experience in the batting department.
The presence of both players in domestic red-ball cricket gives younger cricketers the chance to compete alongside established Pakistan stars.
Salman Ali Agha Joins the Domestic Competition
Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha is another senior international involved in the President’s Trophy.
He is representing Kingsmen Academy.
The participation of Babar, Shaheen and Salman means several current Pakistan captains are involved in the domestic first-class structure.
This development comes at a time when the PCB is seeking greater involvement from established players in domestic cricket.
For younger cricketers, playing with or against international-level players can provide valuable experience.
Babar’s Return Comes as Test Captain
The timing of Babar’s domestic return is also notable because he was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July 2026.
His return to the leadership role came after Pakistan’s previous Test captaincy period under Shan Masood.
Since taking charge again, Babar has led Pakistan in Test series against the West Indies and England.
Pakistan drew the two-match West Indies series 1-1 before suffering a 3-0 series defeat against England, according to Dawn’s report.
The domestic matches could therefore provide Babar with additional red-ball preparation as he continues his responsibilities as Pakistan’s Test captain.
Babar’s Recent Test Form
Babar’s domestic return also comes during a period in which his Test batting has received considerable attention.
Dawn reported that he had not scored a Test century during the previous four years.
However, he showed encouraging form during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies.
Babar scored 196 runs across the two-match series and was named player of the series after finishing as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer.
His performance in the West Indies suggested that he remained capable of producing important contributions in Test cricket.
The England series was more difficult.
Across his four innings, Babar scored 8, 6, 7 and 76. He also missed the opening Test because of injury.
Domestic Cricket Can Provide Valuable Match Practice
One of the potential benefits of Babar’s return is the opportunity to spend more time at the crease in competitive red-ball conditions.
Net sessions can help with technical preparation, but first-class matches provide a different challenge.
Batters have to deal with changing bowling plans, longer spells, field settings and the physical demands of spending extended periods on the field.
For a Test captain, this type of match experience can also be useful because it keeps the player directly connected with the demands of the format.
Babar’s domestic appearances could therefore be an important part of his preparation for future Test assignments.
The Importance of First-Class Cricket in Pakistan
Pakistan has historically produced many Test cricketers through its domestic first-class system.
Competitions such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and President’s Trophy provide opportunities for players to develop the skills needed for international cricket.
Red-ball cricket teaches patience and adaptability.
A batter may need to survive difficult opening spells before capitalizing on an older ball later in the innings.
Bowlers also learn how to maintain discipline over long spells rather than relying exclusively on short bursts of intensity.
The participation of experienced international players can add further quality to these competitions.
Babar’s Experience Could Benefit Younger Players
Babar has spent years playing international cricket against some of the world’s leading bowling attacks.
His experience includes Test, ODI and T20 cricket at the highest level.
Younger domestic players can potentially learn from his preparation, batting methods and approach to different match situations.
Even outside the playing XI, senior players can have an influence on dressing-room culture.
If Babar participates in several President’s Trophy matches, his presence could therefore have an impact beyond his own batting statistics.
A New Challenge for Babar
Returning to domestic cricket after such a long absence will not necessarily be identical to playing international Test cricket.
Domestic pitches, opposition attacks and match conditions can vary significantly.
Babar will also need to adapt to playing for a department-based side rather than Pakistan.
The President’s Trophy provides competitive cricket, but the environment and expectations can be different from an international Test series.
That makes his return an interesting development for both the player and the domestic tournament.
OGDCL’s Upcoming Fixtures
OGDCL have several important fixtures ahead.
Their opening President’s Trophy match is against Pakistan Television in Islamabad.
The team will then face Kingsmen Academy in Peshawar from September 18 before playing KRL from September 24.
Babar could potentially make his first appearance in one of these matches, depending on his decision after returning to Pakistan.
His inclusion could strengthen OGDCL’s batting lineup and increase interest in their upcoming fixtures.
Babar’s Leadership Role Adds Another Dimension
Babar’s return is particularly notable because he is not simply an experienced international batter.
He is also Pakistan’s current Test captain.
That means his performances in domestic red-ball cricket will likely be followed closely by fans and analysts.
His ability to spend time in first-class cricket could also help him remain familiar with the conditions faced by domestic players.
As Test captain, understanding the domestic talent pool is important because Pakistan regularly needs to identify players capable of stepping into international cricket.
The Link Between Domestic and International Cricket
A strong domestic system provides the foundation for international success.
Players need opportunities to develop before being exposed to the pressure of Test cricket.
At the same time, established international players can help maintain standards within domestic competitions.
The PCB’s recent push to involve senior players reflects this relationship.
Babar’s return is therefore part of a wider conversation about how Pakistan can strengthen its red-ball cricket structure.
Babar’s Return May Increase Attention on the President’s Trophy
Domestic cricket often receives less attention than international matches.
The presence of Babar Azam could change that temporarily.
Because of his popularity and status within Pakistan cricket, his involvement is likely to attract additional interest from supporters.
His matches could also receive greater media coverage.
That attention may benefit the competition by giving domestic players a larger platform.
It could also encourage cricket followers to pay closer attention to first-class cricket and emerging talent.
What Babar Can Gain From the Experience
For Babar, the return provides several potential benefits.
Regular first-class cricket can help maintain red-ball rhythm and provide opportunities to spend long periods at the crease.
It can also allow him to work on technical aspects of his batting in competitive conditions.
As a Test captain, playing domestic cricket could provide another way to assess the current standard of Pakistan’s domestic cricket.
The experience may also help him understand the challenges faced by players trying to move from domestic cricket to international level.
Pakistan’s Test Cricket Challenges
Babar’s return comes against the backdrop of challenges for Pakistan’s Test team.
The team has experienced difficult results in recent international series, including the 3-0 defeat against England mentioned in Dawn’s report.
Pakistan therefore needs strong performances from senior players as well as continued development of emerging cricketers.
A healthy domestic structure can help provide both.
The return of established internationals to domestic competitions may be one part of that broader process.
The Bigger Picture for Pakistan Cricket
The decision to involve international players in domestic cricket raises a larger issue about the relationship between Pakistan’s national team and its domestic system.
For a strong Test team, domestic first-class cricket needs to remain competitive.
Young players need regular opportunities, experienced players need meaningful competition, and selectors need enough information to identify talent.
When established players participate, domestic matches can become more competitive and potentially more valuable as preparation.
Babar’s return therefore carries significance beyond one player’s appearance.
What Fans Can Expect From Babar’s Return
Cricket supporters will be watching closely to see when Babar makes his first appearance for OGDCL.
The exact match has not yet been confirmed.
His first outing will likely attract attention because it will mark his return to Pakistan’s domestic red-ball circuit after nearly seven years.
Fans will also be interested in how he approaches the longer format after spending considerable time in international and franchise cricket.
Whether he plays one match or more will depend on his schedule and future commitments.
Conclusion
Babar Azam is set to return to Pakistan’s domestic red-ball cricket after nearly seven years, with the Pakistan Test captain expected to represent OGDCL in the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament.
His last domestic first-class appearance came in December 2019, when he led Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. Since then, his career has largely focused on international cricket and franchise competitions.
According to Dawn, Babar is expected to return from the United Kingdom on September 16 and join OGDCL the following day. He will then decide whether to play the team’s second or third President’s Trophy match.
His return comes as the PCB encourages more established international players to participate in domestic first-class cricket. Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha are also participating in the competition.
Babar’s domestic comeback is particularly relevant because he has recently returned as Pakistan’s Test captain. He produced a strong performance on the West Indies tour, scoring 196 runs across two Tests and earning player-of-the-series recognition, although the subsequent England series proved more difficult.
The President’s Trophy will give Babar an opportunity to gain additional red-ball match practice while also bringing significant attention to domestic cricket.
For Pakistan, the wider objective is to maintain a strong connection between domestic first-class cricket and the national Test team. The participation of experienced players can provide younger cricketers with valuable exposure and help raise the profile of the domestic game.
Babar’s return will therefore be watched not only for his individual performance but also for what it represents for the future of Pakistan’s red-ball cricket.