Babar, Saud, Naseem, Razaullah and others join Departmental Grade-I teams before third round

The third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I will begin on Thursday, 24 September, in Islamabad, Abbottabad and Peshawar. A number of Test cricketers and Pakistan U19 players have joined their respective departmental teams adding more excitement and competitive edge to the first-class tournament. 

Babar Azam and Razaullah have joined Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) before their fixture against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), which is scheduled at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq has linked up with KRL.

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) who are looking to bounce back after copping a defeat in their second match against Ghani, have welcomed fast bowler Naseem Shah, top-order batter Abdullah Shafique along with trio of Pakistan U19 players Farhan Yousuf, Abdul Subhan and Hamza Zahoor. 

Aamir Jamal is set to bolster Markhor IT Solutions’ fast bowling attack after they were in the field for 158 overs against KRL in the second round.

Abdullah Fazal has joined State Bank of Pakistan, while Saud Shakeel has linked up with Kingsmen Academy. Kingsmen’s batting could not hold up against OGDCL in the second round and the Tayyab Arif-led outfit will welcome the addition of experienced Test batter. 

Left-arm spinner Ali Usman is set to be in action for Pakistan Television after his record-breaking 2025-26 season. PTV have drawn both of their matches and will be looking to bag their first win when they face Kingsmen Academy at Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad. 

Ghani’s already thriving fast bowling contingent has received a major boost with Ubaid Shah joining their ranks before their game against SBP at National Ground in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan and Noman Ali are expected to join Ghani before the fourth round.