Babar Azam set to return to first-class cricket as OGDCL guest player

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to make his return to domestic first-class cricket after joining Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) as a guest player for the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament.

According to reports, OGDCL has added Babar to its squad for the current edition of the competition following a request from the Pakistan batter to remain involved in red-ball cricket.

Babar is understood to have approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seeking inclusion in a domestic side to maintain his preparation and stay connected with the longer format ahead of Pakistan’s Test commitments. The board subsequently facilitated his participation with OGDCL.

The PCB has already announced the fixtures and squads for the eight teams competing in the President’s Trophy Grade-I.

The tournament, which marks the opening red-ball competition of Pakistan’s 2026-27 domestic season, began on September 12 and will conclude with the five-day final on October 28.

Babar’s return to first-class cricket is expected to provide him with valuable red-ball match practice as he continues his preparations for international Test cricket.