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Pakistan National Cricket Team Test captain Babar Azam’s much-awaited return to first-class cricket was a disappointing one. Babar Azam managed only 12 runs in his first red-ball appearance in nearly seven years, leaving fans frustrated who turned up to watch his bat in Abbottabad.
Babar was playing for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I match at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. His return had created huge excitement, but the 31-year-old batter’s disappointing run continued. Amid this, PSL 2027 is set to clash with IPL as the April-May window is finalized.
Babar Azam’s much-awaited return ends in shock as Arshad Iqbal sends him packing for 12
After waiting for two days, fans finally got the chance to see Babar Azam bat on the third day of the President’s Trophy Grade-I match between the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL). OGDCL came into bat after KRL posted a strong first-innings total of 398 runs on the board at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.
However, Babar could face only 20 balls. The Test captain was dismissed by the KRL fast bowler Arshad Iqbal with a short-pitched bouncer. Babar tried to play a pull shot but failed to time it properly. The ball took the top part of his bat and went high towards the inner circle.
The ball then travelled in the direction of short mid-on, where Abdul Faseeh took a simple catch to bring Babar’s short innings to an end. He scored 12 runs, including two boundaries, at a strike rate of 60.00 against the Khan Research Laboratories at Abbottabad.
BABAR AZAM DISMISSED AGAIN ON A BOUNCER! ❌
— Mian Ahmad (@MianAhmad_56) September 26, 2026
Babar Azam dismissed for 12 runs on his first-class return. pic.twitter.com/4ErhBXPq7E
OGDCL slips to 46/4 after Babar Azam falls for 12
Babar’s early dismissal put OGDCL under massive pressure. After his wicket, the team slipped to 46 for four in reply to KRL’s huge first-innings total of 398. Arshad Iqbal played a key role in OGDCL’s worst start by taking three of the team’s first four wickets at Abbottabad.
Babar’s appearance marked his first domestic red-ball game in nearly seven years. His previous first-class match came in December 2019. He was hoping to make an impact after the poor England tour but once again became the meme material on social media for trolls following his flop show at Abbottabad. Amid this, Morne Morkel reveals Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role as India seeks Hardik Pandya backup.
Fatima Sana overtakes Babar Azam in popularity?
Meanwhile, Fatima Sana is making a strong mark in Pakistan cricket, and her recent performances have brought her into the spotlight. Former Pakistan batter and women’s team coach Mohammad Wasim has now highlighted her growing popularity.
Wasim believes Fatima has built this recognition through her performances and leadership as Pakistan's women’s captain. When she was compared with Babar Azam, he felt Fatima is currently a more popular cricketer than the Test captain because of her impact and performances.
Speaking on the YouTube show 'BolWasim,' Wasim said, "She's ahead of them all. Among the educated and those who understand cricket, she’s ahead. Because popularity is earned by performance. She is batting and bowling as well, and now we are talking about the boys and girls together.
So, at the moment, if you even look at the international media, they always praise Fatima Sana even though she is often on the losing side. The other cricket stars we have on this side (men’s) are not mentioned in an equally praising manner as her, and obviously their performances are not that good. So, we can say that she indeed is our superstar currently.”
