Babar Azam announced late Tuesday night that he is resigning from his position as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Previously the all-format captain, Babar had stepped down after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Following that, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi briefly took over as the T20I captain, but Babar was reappointed in March 2024.
Unfortunately, Babar’s second tenure was also marked by setbacks, culminating in Pakistan’s early exit from the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team suffered losses to the USA, a much lower-ranked side, and was defeated by India despite being in a strong position during the match. The pressure on Pakistan cricket has intensified, particularly after their recent home Test series loss to Bangladesh.
In his retirement post on X, Babar Azam wrote:
Dear Fans,
“I have some news to share with you today. I have decided to step down as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective from my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.
“It has been an honour to lead this team, but now is the time for me to focus on my playing role.
“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it has also added significant pressure. I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy.
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“By stepping down, I hope to gain clarity for the future and devote more energy to my game and personal development. I am truly grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing to contribute to the team as a player.
Thank you for your love and support.”