Pakistan’s prolific batter Babar Azam endured a forgettable comeback to first-class cricket, managing a meagre 4 runs in his first innings for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I. His highly anticipated return, his first in the format in nearly seven years, saw his first innings conclude prematurely on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.
Babar Azam Registers Back-to-Back Failures on First-Class Return
The 32-year-old, who has faced scrutiny over his recent red-ball form, lasted just 20 deliveries before being dismissed by KRL pacer Arshad Iqbal. Azam’s brief stay at the crease included two boundaries before he top-edged a short-pitched delivery to a fielder at mid-wicket. The infographic specifies he was caught by Abdul Faseeh. This early departure added to OGDCL’s woes as they were eventually bundled out for 217 in response to KRL’s formidable first-innings total of 398, forcing them to follow on.
Context of Return and Recent Form
Babar Azam’s last appearance in domestic first-class cricket dates back to 2019, when he led Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. His decision to participate in the President’s Trophy came after a challenging period with the national Test squad, where Pakistan suffered a 0-3 series whitewash against England in August-September 2026. During that three-match series, Azam could only muster 97 runs at a modest average of 24.25 across four innings, missing the opening fixture due to injury.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been keen for established international players to feature in domestic first-class tournaments, aiming to provide them with crucial red-ball practice and strengthen the domestic circuit. Azam’s return was widely anticipated, especially in light of concerns over his struggles to convert promising starts into substantial Test scores, having not scored a Test century since December 2022.
Match Details: OGDCL vs KRL
The President’s Trophy Grade-I match, a four-day affair, commenced on September 24, 2026, and concluded today, September 27. KRL, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted 398 runs in their first innings. OGDCL’s first innings saw contributions from Mohammad Hammad Khan (56 not out), captain Rohail Nazir (48), and Danish Aziz (40), but they fell well short, managing only 217.
Khan Research Laboratories’ pace bowler Arshad Iqbal was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming a five-wicket haul for 55 runs, which included the prized scalp of Babar Azam.
Key Performances in OGDCL vs KRL Match (1st Innings):
| Team | Player | Role | Runs/Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRL | Sarmad Bhatti | Batter | 136 runs |
| KRL | Arshad Iqbal | Bowler | 5/55 |
| OGDCL | Mohammad Hammad Khan | Batter | 56* runs |
| OGDCL | Babar Azam | Batter | 4 runs (14 balls) |
OGDCL’s second innings commenced under the pressure of following on. Although the full details of Babar Azam’s second innings score are not yet widely reported, his initial failure will undoubtedly amplify discussions around his red-ball form and his long-term role in Pakistan’s Test setup.
This disappointing start to his domestic red-ball season adds another chapter to Azam’s recent struggles. Fans and selectors alike will be closely watching his subsequent performances, hoping for a return to the dominant form he is known for, especially as Pakistan looks to rebuild its Test squad.