Babar Azam scores 21 in latest Pakistan domestic cricket appearance

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has continued to struggle for form during his return to domestic cricket. Playing for Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the President’s Trophy Grade 1 tournament, the 31-year-old was dismissed for 21 runs after being adjudged LBW by Afaq Afridi during a match against the State Bank of Pakistan at Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad.

This performance follows a difficult period for the batter, including an unsuccessful tour of England and a recent domestic appearance where he scored only 16 runs across two innings. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had directed Test players to participate in domestic cricket to regain rhythm, as Azam has not recorded a century in the longest format since 2022.

Following his dismissal, Azam was surrounded by fans seeking photographs, requiring ground staff to intervene to ensure his safe passage to the pavilion. The struggle for consistency comes amid a challenging period for the Pakistan national team, which recently drew a Test series against the West Indies and suffered a 3-0 whitewash against England.