Babar Azam to play first first-class match since 2019

Babar Azam will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited in the President's Trophy Grade-I starting September 18. The Pakistan captain last played domestic first-class cricket in 2019 for Central Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

PCB officials included Babar as a guest player after he requested an opportunity following Pakistan's 3-0 Test series loss in England. OGDCL sports head Farah Batool said Babar's kit has been ordered and he may feature from the second round on September 24 if not ready for the opening fixture.

Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have also appeared in the ongoing competition after limited first-class exposure in recent seasons.