Babar Azam Wicket Video: Pakistan Star Batter Flops with 12-Run Outing on First-Class Return
Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam endured a disappointing first-class return, scoring just 12 runs for OGDCL against KRL in the President's Trophy Grade-I.
Pakistan's premier batter, Babar Azam, made a disappointing return to first-class cricket today, scoring just 12 runs for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in their President's Trophy Grade-I fixture against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. The much-hyped comeback, ending an almost seven-year absence from the format, saw the 31-year-old right-hander fail to convert his start into a substantial score. Muhammad Shahzad Smashes Fastest First-Class Century by Pakistan Batter.
Bazam Azam Flops On FC Return
Babar Azam is GONE! 🔥
7 years of waiting to play First Class cricket again… and he’s out for just 12 runs off 20 balls! 😭
Arshad Iqbal is ON FIRE!🔥 pic.twitter.com/hECRwFiBG7
— Humais khan (@Humireacts) September 26, 2026
Azam's innings came on the third day of the third-round match, which commenced on September 24, 2026. Having returned to the domestic circuit to regain his red-ball rhythm following Pakistan's recent 3-0 Test series whitewash against England, his dismissal for 12 runs from 20 deliveries, including two boundaries, leaves questions about his current form.
The Dismissal
Babar Azam, a guest player for OGDCL, faced KRL's fast bowler Arshad Iqbal. Attempting a pull shot to a short-pitched delivery, Azam mistimed the ball, which flew high towards the inner circle. Abdul Faseeh completed a simple catch at short mid-on, bringing an abrupt end to Azam's highly anticipated first-class innings.
OGDCL were already struggling when Azam arrived at the crease, and his departure left his side further entrenched in trouble, with the score standing at 46 for 4. KRL had posted a formidable first-innings total of 398, putting them in a dominant position in the four-day contest.
Long-Awaited Return
This match marks Azam's first appearance in domestic first-class cricket since December 2019, when he captained Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. His decision to play in the President's Trophy Grade-I, a tournament featuring eight departmental teams, was facilitated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after he requested to remain engaged with red-ball cricket. Mohammad Rizwan Approaches ICC Over NCCIA Phone Seizure in Online Betting Allegation Probe: Report.
Match Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | OGDCL vs KRL |
| Competition | President's Trophy Grade-I, 3rd Round |
| Venue | Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad |
| Dates | September 24-27, 2026 (PKT) |
| Babar Azam's Team | OGDCL |
| Babar Azam's Score | 12 runs (20 balls, 2x4s) |
| Dismissal | c Abdul Faseeh b Arshad Iqbal |
His recent Test form has been a subject of concern, particularly after a difficult tour of England where he managed only 97 runs across four innings at an average of 24.25. While his return was intended to help him rediscover form and rhythm in the longer format, this initial outing has not provided the strong start many hoped for.
Fans had gathered in significant numbers at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the star batter, with some even breaching security to interact with him on the field. Despite the enthusiasm, Babar Azam's first-class comeback has proven to be a subdued affair, highlighting the challenges he faces in regaining his prolific touch ahead of future international commitments.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2026 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
