Babar Azam steps down as captain in all formats

Babar Azam has resigned as the captain of Pakistani cricket team in all formats after the unsatisfactory performance in 2023 ODI World Cup in which they won just four matches out of nine and failed to qualify for the finals. He wrote, ‘I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019. Over the past four years, I’ve experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world. Reaching the No. 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey’.

He further said the statement that I am stepping down from formats as captain of Pakistan. It is a difficult decision for me but it is the right time for me to take it. I will continue playing as a player of the team in all the tree formats. I’ll support the new captain and the tram with my dedication and experience. I want to thank PCB sincerely for trusting me with this responsibility. During the World Cup babar scored 320 runs in 9 matches at an average of 40 and strike rate 82.90, the third highest for Pakistan.

There hasn’t been an official statement from PCB about the replacement but Shan Masood is the next best option to take over the captaincy of Test Cricket with immediate effect. He was present at the Gaddafi Stadium today. Shortly after babar resigned a statement was issued by PCB that they offered Babar to remain the Test captain but the decision to remove him as captain of white ball skipper was final. Babar discussed the matter with his family and decided to step down from all forms. ‘PCB respects the decision and continues to support him as a player’.

Zaka Ashraf said, ‘Babar Azam is a world class player and we want to continue supporting him as a player. He’s the best better Pakistan has had produced and he is our asset. We want him to continue to thrive’. The speculation about future of Babar Azam has been growing since the exit of Pakistan was confirmed from the World Cup. After a long meeting in the headquarters of PCB where the decision of Pakistani captain’s fate and the coaching staff was made, Babar Azam resigned as the captain. He did not give a specific reason but only said that he feels it is the right time.