In a bid to rediscover his Test form, Pakistan star Babar Azam is set to return to domestic first-class cricket for the first time since 2019. The move comes amid Pakistan's struggling Test performance.

  • Babar Azam will return to domestic red-ball cricket after a 7-year gap.
  • He will represent OGDCL in the ongoing President's Trophy Grade-I.
  • The decision follows a 3-0 Test whitewash against England and a decline in batting averages.

Pakistan cricket is currently navigating through a period of intense scrutiny, and Babar Azam, the nation's premier batting icon, has made a decisive move to salvage his Test career. After a prolonged absence from the domestic red-ball circuit, Babar is set to feature in first-class cricket for the first time since 2019. This strategic move arrives as Pakistan grapples with a dismal performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Babar's last appearance in domestic first-class cricket dates back to December 30, 2019, when he led Central Punjab to a triumphant Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. Now, nearly seven years later, he is poised to rejoin the grind of long-format cricket, representing Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the President's Trophy Grade-I.

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The Batting Crisis

The primary driver behind this return is Babar's declining form in the longest format of the game. Statistical analysis reveals a worrying trend: Babar averaged just 22 in 2023, 20, in 2024, and 31 in 2025 across Test matches. The recent 3-0 series whitewash against England has further intensified the pressure on the former world No. 1 batter.

Babar's return to the domestic circuit is a clear signal that the PCB is prioritizing player rehabilitation through consistent first-class exposure.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this move is not just about individual form but is a broader tactical shift by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). By integrating established internationals like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha into domestic structures, the PCB aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international intensity.

OGDCL sports head Farah Batool confirmed that Babar is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan from the UK on September 16 and will join the squad immediately. While he may not feature in the opening fixtures against Pakistan Television or Kingsmen Academy, his participation in the upcoming matches against KRL remains a high possibility.

Historical Context

Since his last domestic appearance in 2019, Babar has been a mainstay in white-ball cricket and a central figure in Pakistan's international campaigns. However, the transition back to the rigors of multi-day cricket will be a litmus test for his technical temperament in the current era of fast-tracking formats.

Did You Know?: Babar Azam has not recorded a Test century in the last four years, marking one of the most significant droughts in his illustrious career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Which team will Babar Azam represent in domestic cricket?
Answer: He will represent OGDCL in the President's Trophy Grade-I.

Question 2: Why is Babar returning to domestic cricket now?
Answer: To rediscover his rhythm in Test cricket following a series of poor performances and a recent series loss to England.