Babar Azam Among Key Names at Pakistan’s NCA Red-Ball Camp

Pakistan’s preparations for a busy red‑ball season will shift into gear next week as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) hosts a 20‑day training camp in Lahore, with former captain Babar Azam among the invited participants.

The camp will officially get underway on Tuesday, 9 September.

Eleven players have been invited, with the group reporting on Monday before work begins under interim head coach Azhar Mahmood, who will lead the Test squad for the first time during the upcoming home series against South Africa.

The NCA’s coaching staff and fitness trainers will also be closely involved in getting the participants up to speed.

The camp will reportedly be about more than long net sessions: players will also be tested in scenario‑based matches to sharpen their match awareness. With a packed domestic and international red‑ball calendar over the coming months, the PCB wants to ensure its top talent is both technically sharp and physically ready.

Among those named are senior stars like Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, as well as promising youngsters Azan Awais and Shamyl Hussain. Wicketkeepers Rohail Nazir and Mohammad Salman are also in the mix, while Sajid Khan adds spin options to the group.

The camp runs until 28 September and offers those not involved in the ongoing Hanif Mohammad Trophy an opportunity to stay in rhythm before higher‑stakes cricket arrives.

Pakistan’s red-ball engine room is warming up ahead of a crucial period. If this camp does its job, South Africa won’t just meet a Test side; they’ll meet a unit tuned for five‑day attrition.