{
  "id": 10907294,
  "title": "Babar Azam swarmed by fans after 21-run dismissal in domestic cricket",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/babar-azam-swarmed-by-fans-after-21-run-dismissal-in-domestic-cricket",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T09:03:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/babar-azam-swarmed-by-fans-after-21-run-dismissal-in-domestic-cricket-1.500693302"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai - Babar Azam was mobbed by fans as he retraced his steps back to the pavilion after being dismissed for a mere 21 runs during a Grade-I match in Islamabad. The Pakistan star faced a total of 39 deliveries before bowler Afaq Afridi dismissed him for a leg before wicket. This was Babar's second domestic appearance in seven years, having chosen to bat first on the opening day. Oil and Gas Development Company Limited were on 113-4 when Babar was dismissed, marking the end of his first-class stint. As the charismatic batsman made his way to the dressing room, a flood of fans surged towards him to capture pictures. Ground staff were forced to step in and assist Babar as the situation became increasingly crowded. Babar's return to domestic cricket has sparked considerable interest in Pakistan, with his comeback last week against Khan Research Laboratories resulting in a score of 12 runs from 20 balls before being dismissed by Arshad Iqbal. The 31-year-old is now set to return to the field once again, after a nearly seven-year hiatus from Pakistan's domestic first-class competition. This opportunity to spend time in the middle arrives just one day before Babar's name will be in the spotlight at the DP World ILT20 Season 5 Player Auction, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Thursday, October 1. The auction will feature a host of international cricketers, including Phil Salt, Faf du Plessis, and Liam Livingstone, with Babar Azam among the leading names vying for a spot.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Babar Azam was surrounded by fans as he walked back to the pavilion after being dismissed for 21 during the President’s Trophy Grade-I match between Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and State Bank of Pakistan at Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad on Wednesday. Babar faced 39 deliveries before Afaq Afridi dismissed him for an LBW, bringing an end to his second domestic…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}