Babar Azam Resumes Training in Lahore to Regain Form

LAHORE: Following a short break in the United States after the ODI series against the West Indies, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam recommenced his training regimen in Lahore on Friday.

Babar engaged in batting practice at a local cricket academy on Friday, participating in batting drills alongside young players. Sources indicate that he might participate in a local tournament arranged by the academy as part of his ongoing preparations.

The right-handed batsman experienced a dip in form during the recent ODI series against the West Indies, accumulating only 56 runs in three matches, with a top score of 47.

Babar was notably absent from Pakistan’s announced T20 squad for the Asia Cup, and his central contract was reduced from Category A to Category B.

It is important to note that the PCB recently revealed central contracts for 30 male cricketers, with no player designated in category A this year.

In a departure from previous years, categories B, C, and D each contain ten players.

The number of contracted players has increased from 27 to 30, with twelve new players added, including Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.

Moreover, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan have been promoted from Category C to B due to their impressive recent performances.

Nine players have maintained their positions, including Abdullah Shafique in Category C, as well as Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in Category D.

The new contracts will be in effect from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026.