Babar Azam is back in first-class cricket. What took so long?

Babar Azam has been a central figure in Pakistan cricket over the last decade, and he has led his team through wins and losses. However, after seven years away from first-class cricket, his return to domestic cricket marks a big moment, not just for his career but for how cricket works in Pakistan. When a top player returns to where it all began, it shows a renewed focus on making sure that international players and domestic cricket are connected again.

Like many other top Pakistan players, he has not played much in domestic games because of a packed international schedule or no obligation to play a certain number of domestic games in their central contracts. Now, Babar is coming back to domestic cricket at a time when Pakistan cricket performances are at the lowest point in history, and top players are being encouraged to play more in domestic games to eradicate their mistakes.

Why Babar Azam coming back to domestic cricket?

Babar coming back to domestic cricket is important in many ways. For fans, it is a chance to see a top international batter play in local games. For players, it gives them a chance to play against high standards and feel the pressure of real competition.

More importantly, it shows that Pakistan cricket is changing its focus. Domestic cricket has always been the base of the team, but in recent years there has been a big gap between the international players and the local games. Babar’s return to the President’s Trophy helps bridge that gap, bringing experience and attention back to the system.

When last time Babar played first-class cricket?

Before this return, Babar’s time in domestic cricket had been very limited. His schedule has been filled with matches and other tournaments, leaving little time to play in local games. He last played first-class cricket back in 2019, when he led his side to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title.

He has played in some events and the Pakistan Super League, but his time in red-ball domestic games has been short in recent years. This time his return is planned and meaningful, not just a one-time event.

Babar Azam’s numbers in domestic and international cricket

The return of Babar Azam’s to first-class cricket also refers to his numbers in Test cricket, where he has scored runs but hasn’t been able to notch up a century since December 2022 against New Zealand.

Overall, in Test cricket he has scored more than 4,400 runs with an average around 43, showing he can stay at the crease for long periods. In One Day Internationals, he has scored more than 6,500 runs with an average close to 54, putting him among the top players in that format. In T20 Internationals, he has scored more than 4,500 runs with an average near 39, showing that he can adjust to different styles of play.

He has amassed more than 15,000 runs in international cricket, a big sign of his steady performance across all formats.

His first-class record is also strong, with more than 6,800 runs at an average above 42, showing that his skills and mindset were built in the local games.

How domestic cricket helped shape Babar’s career

Babar Azam made his first-class debut back in 2010 while turning out for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) against National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). He had played in domestic cricket for more than four years, where he learned the skills and mindset that now define his batting. His performances at U19 level and local matches quickly showed that he had a future.

His highest first-class score to date is 266, which he scored in 2014, a year before earning a national call-up for the home series against Zimbabwe, which was also the first since 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team.

Rising through games

As he moved up, Babar kept scoring runs in domestic matches, which got him noticed by the selectors. His ability to play calm and eye-catching knocks in formats made him a strong candidate for the national team.

Moving to international stage

Going from local games to international matches can be hard, but Babar did it quickly. His strong base helped him deal with pressure and perform well at the level, eventually becoming one of Pakistan’s main players.

PCB’s rules for domestic cricket and contracts

A big reason for Babar Azam’s return is the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new rules for domestic cricket and a clause in the central contract that deems it necessary for a certain number of games for Pakistan cricketers in a bid to play Test cricket. The PCB has changed its structure to make sure that domestic games are more important, including encouraging players to take part more.

The goal is to make the local games stronger, raise the level of play and help young players learn from experienced players. By having players back in local tournaments, the PCB is trying to make a more competitive and balanced cricket system.

Other top players expected in domestic cricket

Babar Azam is not the big name coming back to domestic cricket under this new system. Many other top players are expected to take part, which will make the competition much better. Like Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi has also made a return to the format after seven years. He is representing KRL in the President’s Trophy Grade-I.

Having players with new talent can make the games harder, helping young players get better faster. It also brings attention to domestic cricket, making it more interesting for fans and the media.

What this means for Pakistan cricket

Babar coming back to domestic cricket could change how Pakistan cricket works in the long run. By bringing players back to local games, the gap between the two levels can get smaller.

This move also shows that domestic cricket is still the way to become a top player. For players, playing with someone like Babar gives them a chance to improve and learn in a real way.

In a sense, this change shows a more lasting way to build Pakistan’s cricket future. It is about making the system stronger after seeing the decline in recent years.

Azam coming back to first-class cricket is not just a regular step, but an ideal one in the circumstances that could benefit the batter and Pakistan cricket for the upcoming assignments.

At this part of his career, Babar has already done a lot but has he achieved greatness? Only time can tell about this, but a much-needed comeback can change his career fortunes.

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Written by Iqra Afroz

Iqra Afroz is a sports content writer at SportsManch with a growing passion for cricket and contemporary sports media. She specialises in news writing and digital content, with a focus on delivering concise, accurate and reader-friendly stories. With a keen eye for detail, Iqra aims to provide informative and engaging sports coverage while continuing to develop her voice as a modern sports journalist.