LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has been granted permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play first-class cricket, according to sources.
Imam will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I and is expected to be available for the team in the final round. Sources said OGDC has confirmed his availability after receiving information from the PCB about the permission.
The development comes after former Pakistan Test captain and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan was also allowed to return to domestic cricket. Rizwan is set to lead Sui Northern Gas against Khan Research Laboratories in a four-day President’s Trophy match starting October 19.
Both Imam and Rizwan were among seven players recalled by the PCB after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s in London in August 2026.
Their return to domestic cricket comes as they look to resume competitive action in the ongoing season.
Mohammad Rizwan to lead Sui Northern Gas in President’s trophy
Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Rizwan is set to lead Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the President’s Trophy, starting October 19.
The four-day match will be played at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, marking Rizwan’s return to domestic cricket amid reports of an ongoing inquiry involving the wicketkeeper-batter.
Sui Northern Gas Director of Cricket and head coach Mohammad Hafeez has reportedly received formal confirmation from Usama Sheron Niazi, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s director of domestic cricket, regarding Rizwan’s participation.
Rizwan, 34, was among seven players the PCB recalled after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s in August 2026. He was subsequently called to the National Cricket Academy, where an inquiry is reportedly underway.
Reports also suggest efforts to resolve differences between the PCB and Rizwan. The wicketkeeper-batter is said to be keen to return his focus to cricket and had requested permission from the board to play in domestic competitions.
Rizwan has represented Pakistan in 47 Test matches, 103 One-Day Internationals and 106 T20 Internationals, according to the figures provided.
Earlier,
