Babar Azam to return to Somerset in 2020

Pakistan Twenty20 International (T20I) captain Babar Azam has agreed a deal to rejoin Somerset for the 2020 county summer, subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Babar will be available to Somerset for the Vitality Blast and County Championship matches between May 28 and July 3.

The top-order batsman made a major impression playing for Somerset in the 2019 Vitality Blast, as he ended up as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 578 runs at an impressive average of 52.5. The 25-year-old also lit up the T20 competition with 60 fours and 14 sixes.

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The number-one ranked T20I batsman is excited for his return to the County.

“I really enjoyed my time at Somerset, and I look forward to coming back next year,” said Babar. “Somerset has a very good squad and the supporters made me feel very welcome. Hopefully I can help the Club reach the knock-out stages of the Vitality Blast and contribute to winning matches in the County Championship.”

Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry said that Babar is a popular figure among Somerset members and fans.

 “Babar Azam is the best T20I batsman in the world and his return will be a major boost for us,” said Hurry He played a significant role for us in the Vitality Blast last year and his stats speak for themselves.”

“He made a number of match winning contributions and he fitted seamlessly into the dressing room. You can’t ask more from your overseas players than that,” he added.