Babar Azam, Pakistan's Test captain, is returning to domestic first-class cricket as a guest for OGDCL in the President’s Trophy to rebuild form after a string of uneven Test results.

His last century has been followed by top scores only up to 88, including a 88 in the latest Test series against West Indies, underscoring the need for rhythm with the red ball.

This marks his return to domestic FC cricket after seven years, with his previous first-class stint dating back to 2019 for Central Punjab.

Pakistan’s schedule now features a multi-format series against Sri Lanka, including a World Test Championship cycle two-Test series set for Rawalpindi and Lahore in November.

The domestic involvement comes as Pakistan plans that two-Test WTC series against Sri Lanka, with fixtures beginning in Rawalpindi in early November and concluding in Lahore.

The move follows a PCB-wide shake-up, including the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and the decision to send seven players home from England.

The PCB’s post-England changes have been framed as destabilizing by some, with Azam among the senior players affected by the squad restructuring.

Questions have been raised about communication around the leadership changes after England, though the board proceeded with several squad alterations.

OGDCL opened their President’s Trophy campaign against PTV in Islamabad, with later fixtures against Kingsmen Academy and KRL planned.

OGDCL’s schedule in the early rounds includes matches against PTV, Kingsmen Academy (Peshawar), and KRL, as they seek to improve their standing after relegation and a season setback.

Babar is due to arrive in Pakistan around mid-September and join the OGDCL squad for the ensuing matches, with selection for specific rounds to be determined after arrival.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have also returned to domestic first-class cricket, with Afridi contributing for KRL and Rauf delivering a five-wicket haul for PTV, signaling a broader re-emergence of Pakistan’s pace battery in domestic cricket.