Key points:

  • Pakistan Test skipper Babar Azam managed just 10 and 4 runs in his two innings for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the President’s Trophy Grade I.
  • He faced a total of 20 deliveries, striking only two boundaries and accumulating 12 runs overall.
  • The modest return comes as Babar prepares for a series of high‑profile international assignments later this season.
  • Critics and fans alike are debating whether the early dismissals signal a deeper dip in form for the nation's premier batsman.

Babar Azam’s comeback to the domestic circuit was highly anticipated, given his standing as Pakistan’s premier Test batsman and the recent emphasis on strengthening the squad ahead of the upcoming overseas tours. Opening the innings for OGDCL, he was dismissed for 10 in the first spell, a knock that lasted barely 12 balls. In the second innings, his stay was even shorter, falling for just 4 runs off eight deliveries. The pair of innings produced only two fours, underscoring a lack of momentum that contrasts sharply with his usual temperament in the longer format.

The President’s Trophy Grade I, the top tier of Pakistan’s first‑class competition, serves as a key platform for national selectors to gauge players’ readiness. Babar’s sub‑par performance has therefore drawn the attention of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection committee, especially as the team gears up for a demanding Test series against England and a limited‑overs showdown with Sri Lanka later this year. While a single domestic outing rarely dictates a player’s fate, the early exits have ignited a broader conversation about his current technique and mental sharpness after a brief hiatus from competitive cricket.

Local pundits point out that Babar’s recent struggles could have ripple effects on the domestic league’s viewership and on younger aspirants who look up to him as a role model. If the captain can recalibrate his approach quickly, he may still steer Pakistan’s batting line‑up through the challenging overseas commitments that lie ahead. Conversely, prolonged form issues could prompt the coaching staff to reconsider his batting order position or provide specialized support, ensuring that the national side remains competitive on the international stage.