Babar Azam's first-class return: The crowd has spoken, now the bat must Published on: October 7, 2026 10:56 AM

Babar Azam's return to Pakistan's first-class cricket after almost seven years was never going to be an ordinary domestic comeback. His presence alone was enough to turn a routine President's Trophy fixture into a major attraction, with sizeable crowds gathering simply for a glimpse of one of Pakistan's most celebrated cricketers. The scenes surrounding Babar's return were a powerful reminder of his popularity. In Abbottabad, fans turned up in large numbers, while his appearance in Islamabad once again attracted considerable attention. For a domestic competition that often struggles to generate public interest, the Babar factor was impossible to miss. But once the excitement, photographs and crowds are put aside, there is a more important cricketing question that needs to be asked. Where are the runs? Babar has now completed four first-class innings since returning to domestic cricket, and the numbers make for uncomfortable reading: 12, 4, 21 and 21 a total of just 58 runs at an average of 14.50.His first two innings came against Khan Research Laboratories, while his next two came against State Bank of Pakistan. For an ordinary domestic batter, these figures would simply represent a poor start. For Babar Azam, however, they carry greater significance because of the expectations attached to his name and, more importantly, because of the reason he returned to first-class cricket in the first place. After spending almost seven years away from Pakistan's domestic red-ball circuit, this was supposed to be an opportunity for Babar to spend time at the crease, rediscover his rhythm and strengthen the skills required to succeed in Test cricket. Instead, his first four innings have produced no substantial score. That becomes even more relevant when his Test record is considered. Babar's last Test century came on December 26, 2022, when he scored a magnificent 161 against New Zealand in Karachi. Since then, the three-figure mark has continued to elude him. He has produced starts and occasional significant contributions, but the big Test innings that once seemed almost inevitable have disappeared from his record. That is the real concern. Nobody can seriously question Babar's ability. His record has already established him as one of Pakistan's finest batters of the modern era. The issue is no longer whether he possesses the talent to score runs. The question is whether he can consistently convert that talent into the kind of substantial innings that Pakistan need from their premier batter. That is why his first-class comeback matters. Domestic cricket should provide an environment in which a player can step away from the intensity of international cricket and concentrate purely on batting. But in Babar's case, the international spotlight has followed him into domestic cricket. And that brings us to another uncomfortable aspect of his comeback: the behaviour of some supporters. There is nothing wrong with loving Babar Azam. In fact, the passion of his supporters is one of the most remarkable aspects of his career. A cricketer attracting large crowds to a first-class match is ultimately good for the game. But support should never become a distraction. In Islamabad, after Babar was dismissed for 21 against State Bank of Pakistan, spectators rushed onto the field seeking photographs and selfies. Ground staff had to intervene and restore order. The affection is understandable. The manner in which it was expressed, however, deserves scrutiny. A batter returning to first-class cricket after seven years does not need people invading his personal space immediately after dismissal. He needs the freedom to walk back to the dressing room, process his innings and prepare for the next opportunity. There is a difference between supporting a cricketer and disturbing him. Babar's supporters have already made their feelings clear. They do not need to prove their loyalty by following him onto the field or turning every moment around him into a spectacle. If anything, the greatest support they can now offer is to give him the space required to concentrate on his cricket. Because Babar does not need another reminder of how popular he is. He needs runs. The first-class comeback itself should be welcomed. After years away from domestic red-ball cricket, Babar is finally back in an environment where he can work on his game before Pakistan's next Test assignment. But the numbers cannot be ignored: four innings, 58 runs, average 14.50. Nor can the larger context: his last Test century came in December 2022. This does not mean Babar's career is finished. Far from it. It simply means that the standards attached to him demand more. Great players are judged not only by their past achievements but by their ability to respond when their game enters a difficult phase. Babar has earned the affection of Pakistan's cricket fans. Now he has to repay that faith in the language that matters most in cricket runs. The crowds have made their statement. The supporters have made theirs. Now it is Babar Azam's turn to let the bat speak.