Pakistan Test captain joins OGDCL for President’s Trophy clash against KRL as several national players strengthen departmental squads.
Pakistan Test captain and star batter Babar Azam is set to return to domestic first-class cricket after nearly seven years away from the format. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday that Babar has joined Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) ahead of the third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
OGDCL will face Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the four-day contest at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium from September 24 to 27. The match will mark Babar’s first domestic first-class appearance since December 2019.
Last Appearance Came in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Babar’s previous first-class outing came while representing Central Punjab in the 2019 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He captained the side to the title after Central Punjab defeated Northern by an innings and 16 runs in the final.
His return adds considerable international experience to an OGDCL side preparing for another important President’s Trophy fixture.
National Players Join Departmental Squads
OGDCL will also have Test debutant Razaullah in its ranks. The pacer recently attracted attention following his international debut against England earlier this year.
KRL, meanwhile, have strengthened their squad with mystery spinner Usman Tariq. The department will also feature Pakistan fast-bowling star Shaheen Shah Afridi in the upcoming contest.
Several other centrally contracted and emerging players have also joined their respective departments.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), following an innings defeat against Ghani Glass in the previous round, will receive boosts from Test players Naseem Shah and Abdullah Shafique. Pakistan U19 players Hamza Zahoor, Abdul Subhan and captain Farhan Yousaf have also linked up with the team.
More Pakistan Players Added to Squads
Experienced batter Saud Shakeel has joined Kingsmen Academy after their nine-wicket loss to OGDCL in the second round. All-rounder Aamir Jamal has moved to Markhor IT Solutions, while emerging batter Abdullah Fazal has joined State Bank of Pakistan.
Pakistan Television have added left-arm spinner Ali Usman, while Ghani Glass have been strengthened by emerging fast bowler Hunain Shah.
Shadab Khan and veteran spinner Noman Ali are expected to join their respective departments before the fourth round, further increasing the presence of Pakistan internationals in the domestic competition.