Babar Azam, Pakistan’s premier batsman, has been included to the OGDCL roster as a guest player for the third round of the President’s Trophy, bringing an end to an almost seven-year exile from first-class cricket. The PCB confirmed the move on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, ahead of the OGDCL’s four-day match against KRL at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, which is slated for September 24–27.
Babar Azam most recent first-class appearance was in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final in December 2019, where he led Central Punjab to win over Northern by an innings and 16 runs. This President’s Trophy appearance marks a watershed moment in his domestic career after an almost seven-year absence. His return comes after Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series humiliation to England, prompting some veteran players to seek competitive red-ball cricket on the domestic circuit.
Why did Babar Azam decide to play for OGDCL?
Babar Azam decision to sign with OGDCL derives from a desire to improve his first-class form and rhythm in the longer format ahead of future international assignments. According to confirmed reports, he approached the PCB with a plea to continue playing red-ball cricket, and the board enabled his placement with OGDCL as a guest signing. The board approved his selection solely for the Abbottabad match against KRL.
OGDCL has also expanded their lineup with two new signings for the third round. Razaullah, who made his Test debut against England in 2026, has been called up with 18-year-old pacer Ali Raza. The mix of an established international hitter and two young prospects provides OGDCL with a well-rounded lineup for the four-day tournament.
Which players have been added to the third round?
The third round of the President’s Trophy has seen a considerable influx of Pakistani internationals from all departments. KRL has strengthened their speed attack with Shaheen Shah Afridi and added mystery spinner Usman Tariq to their squad. The SNGPL has signed Test batsmen Naseem Shah and Abdullah Shafique, as well as Pakistan Under-19 stars Hamza Zahoor, Abdul Subhan, and Farhan Yousaf.
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Other prominent moves include Saud Shakeel joining Kingsmen Academy, Aamir Jamal joining MIT Solutions, Abdullah Fazal signing with State Bank of Pakistan, Ali Usman joining Pakistan Television, and Hunain Shah joining Ghani Glass. Looking ahead, Shadab Khan and Noman Ali are scheduled to link up with their respective departments before the tournament’s fourth round begins.
