Babar Azam first-class return set for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
The Babar Azam first-class return is on, with Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi revealing that the star batter is set to feature in a first-class match against his side in the coming days. Shaheen made the disclosure at the post-match press conference after Pakistan’s victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final in Lahore.
Babar is looking to regain form after a difficult run in the tri-series. He scored 118 runs in five matches at an average of 23.60 and a strike rate of 74.21, without registering a half-century. His scores in the tournament were 45, 34, 10, 29 and a duck in the final against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan still won that final, chasing 326 to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets, as covered in Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in tri-series final. The win did not hide Babar’s lean run, and Shaheen used the press conference to back him to rediscover his form.
What Shaheen Shah Afridi said about Babar Azam
Shaheen said Babar understands his own game and knows how to approach difficult periods. He acknowledged that some of Babar’s dismissals had been unfortunate, but expressed confidence in the batter’s ability to bounce back.
“If you are talking about Babar, he knows his game very well. I believe he is set to play a first-class match in a couple of days against our team. He is well aware of his game plan and how he needs to approach his cricket. Unfortunately, he has had a few dismissals that did not go his way, but that is part and parcel of the game. I am confident he will bounce back,” Shaheen said.
Babar Azam first-class match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Babar and Shaheen are set to face each other in the 2026-27 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which is scheduled to commence on November 3 at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad. Babar will represent Lahore Whites, while Shaheen will lead FATA in the tournament.
That fixture gives Babar what the tri-series could not: time at the crease in the longer format, against a side led by Pakistan’s own pace spearhead. A first-class match also tests a batter in a different way from a white-ball game. There is no required run rate forcing shots, and a batter can play himself back into form over hours rather than overs.
The timing fits Babar’s next assignment. He is the returning red-ball captain and will now lead a revamped Pakistan side in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 9 to 21. A first-class outing in the days before that series is a direct tune-up for Test cricket, not a separate exercise.
Shaheen eyes his own Test comeback
Shaheen also discussed his own preparations for a return to Test cricket. He revealed that he would feature in a first-class match for FATA in the coming days as part of his efforts to regain his place in the longest format.
He explained that the fixture would provide him with an opportunity to work on his bowling, address areas requiring improvement and build towards a potential Test comeback.
Why this match matters before the Sri Lanka Tests
Frequently asked questions
Will Babar Azam play a first-class match before the Sri Lanka Tests?
Yes. Shaheen Shah Afridi revealed that Babar Azam is set to play a first-class match against his side in the coming days, ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka from November 9 to 21.
Which teams will Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi represent?
Babar Azam will represent Lahore Whites and Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead FATA in the 2026-27 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
When does the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy start?
The 2026-27 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is scheduled to commence on November 3 at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad.
How did Babar Azam perform in the ODI tri-series?
Babar Azam scored 118 runs in five matches at an average of 23.60 and a strike rate of 74.21, without a half-century. His scores were 45, 34, 10, 29 and a duck in the final.
When is Pakistan’s Test series against Sri Lanka?
Pakistan’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 9 to 21, with Babar Azam as the returning red-ball captain.
