Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain. The decision adds another twist to Pakistan’s captaincy situation.
The 29-year-old was initially removed from his role as captain after Pakistan’s poor performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, just three months later, in March 2024, he was reappointed to the position.
Challenges During Babar’s Second Stint
Babar’s return to captaincy began with difficulties, as Pakistan was eliminated in the group stages of the T20 World Cup. A major upset was their loss to the USA, while their defeat to rivals India after leading at one point also drew significant criticism.
Considering recent trends in Pakistan cricket, Babar’s decision to step down doesn’t come as a major shock. The Test team recently faced a historic loss to Bangladesh, and the overall morale of the team has been quite low.
Babar Azam Resignation Announcement
Babar made the announcement on the social media platform ‘X,’ stating that he wanted to focus solely on his batting. During the 2023-24 season, Babar struggled to deliver his usual high-level performances, leading to his decision.
“Dear fans, I have some news for you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective from my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month,” Babar wrote.
“It’s been an honor leading this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my batting. While being captain was rewarding, it also added a lot of pressure. I now want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which means a lot to me.“
“By stepping down, I will be able to focus on improving my game and personal growth. I’m thankful for your continued support and belief in me. I’m proud of our achievements together and look forward to contributing as a player. Thank you for your love and support.“
Future of Pakistan’s White-Ball Team
Pakistan has upcoming white-ball series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa over the next six months. Shaheen Afridi, who previously replaced Babar as T20I captain, was also removed from the captaincy recently. This raises questions about who will become Pakistan’s new white-ball captain. Since the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan has not played any ODIs.
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