Babar Azam will return to Somerset for the 2020 season, subject to obtaining a visa and No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Cricket Board. He finished as the T20 Blast's leading rungetter in 2019, scoring 578 runs at an average of 52.54.
What happened?
Babar Azam had a successful stint with Somerset in 2019, finishing with an impressive strike rate of 149.35 in the tournament. He expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the team, stating he enjoyed his time at Somerset and looks forward to coming back.
Why it matters for Babar Azam
Babar Azam's stature in the international scene has been on the rise, recently replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan's T20I captain. He is also the number one ranked T20I batsman in the ICC rankings, making his return to Somerset a significant boost for the team.
What comes next?
Babar Azam will be available for selection in the T20 Blast and the County Championship between May 28th and July 3rd. Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, praised Babar Azam, saying he is the best T20I batsman in the world and his return will be a major boost for the team.
Babar Azam's batting is easy on the eye, and he is hungry to evolve his game. He will add significant value to the team, both with his batting and leadership. Andy Hurry said Babar Azam made a number of match-winning contributions and fitted seamlessly into the dressing room.
Somerset are scheduled to play 12 T20 matches and two county games during Babar Azam's availability. The team will look to reach the knock-out stages of the Vitality Blast and win matches in the County Championship with Babar Azam's help.
Babar Azam's return to Somerset is a significant signing for the team, and his exceptional batting skills will be a major asset. He will look to build on his successful stint in 2019 and help Somerset achieve their goals in the 2020 season.
The Pakistan Cricket Board's No Objection Certificate is required for Babar Azam's return to Somerset. The team will be eager to finalize the details and have Babar Azam join their squad for the 2020 season.
Babar Azam's experience and skills will be invaluable to Somerset, and his return is a major coup for the team. He will look to make a significant impact in the T20 Blast and the County Championship, and his availability will be a major boost for the team's chances of success.