Pakistani batter Babar Azam’s long-awaited return to domestic cricket ended in a brief stay at the crease, as the country’s red-ball captain was dismissed for just 12 runs while playing for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in Abbottabad.
Babar returned to domestic cricket after a seven-year absence, drawing significant attention from fans eager to see him in action during the third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
The anticipation was especially evident in Abbottabad, where supporters gathered at the ground hoping to catch a glimpse of the 31-year-old. Some fans even ran onto the field to meet him, highlighting the level of interest surrounding his comeback.
Fans finally got their chance to see Babar bat on the third day of the match, after waiting through the first two days. OGDCL came in to bat after KRL posted 398 in their first innings.
Babar’s innings, however, did not last long. He hit a bouncer from Arshad Iqbal straight into the hands of fielder Abdul Faseeh, ending his stay at the crease.
He scored a total of 12 runs off 20 deliveries, hitting two boundaries at a strike rate of 60.00 before losing his wicket.
His dismissal added to OGDCL’s troubles, with the team slipping to 46-4 following his departure and KRL firmly in control of the contest.
Babar’s return to domestic cricket comes after he was left out of Pakistan’s recent limited-overs plans and following a difficult stretch in international cricket.
He currently serves as Pakistan’s Test captain, having been reinstated to the role in July this year.
