Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket team was left without a captain on Wednesday after Babar Azam stepped down, deepening the ongoing management crisis that experts say has severely impacted the team’s international performance. The team has struggled across formats after several disappointing losses, with constant leadership changes and accusations of nepotism harming the sport. Azam announced his resignation via social media late on Tuesday night, with an official statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following more than 12 hours later.
Over the past two years, Pakistan cricket has gone through four coaches, three board heads, and four captains, all while falling down the international rankings. Former captain Rashid Latif described the situation as a “leadership crisis,” saying, “Pakistan cricket is in the ICU with no specialist for treatment.”
Azam’s resignation came just before England arrived on Wednesday for a three-match Test series, following Pakistan’s 2-0 home series defeat to the lower-ranked Bangladesh. This was Azam’s second stint as captain after previously resigning in all formats following Pakistan’s early exit from the ODI World Cup in November.
Although he returned in March to lead the white-ball teams, Azam’s second term lasted only six months, leaving Pakistan without a leader just ahead of four major series and the upcoming Champions Trophy. He was also captain when Pakistan was eliminated from the T20 World Cup after a heavy defeat to the United States.
Azam said he resigned to focus on his role as a batsman, with the PCB stating that dedicating himself to his batting could help him contribute more decisively in shorter formats. However, Latif argued that Azam should not have accepted the captaincy again, noting that both the team’s performance and Azam’s form had suffered. The PCB announced that the national selection committee would soon begin searching for a new captain.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is considered the leading candidate to replace Azam. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood, who has overseen five consecutive losses since taking the role last year, is also under pressure to step down.