Babar Azam, a batting staple, has announced his resignation from the limited-overs captaincy, adding another twist to the story of Pakistan’s captaincy.
After the team’s catastrophic 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, the 29-year-old’s tenure as Pakistan’s white-ball captain came to an end. Babar, however, was only in the role for three months until being reappointed in March 2024.
The team’s defeat to the United States, which resulted in their elimination from the T20 World Cup during the group stages, was Pakistan’s biggest setback under Babar’s second stint. The talk also turned to India’s setback at the hands of its fierce rivals, even though they were ahead.
Babar Azam quits as Pakistan white-ball captain
Consequently, given the overall patterns in Pakistani cricket, the most recent occurrence isn’t entirely surprising. Pakistan recently lost their first-ever Test match against Bangladesh, and their national team morale hasn’t been the best.
Babar decided it was time to put all of his attention to his batting and made the announcement public on the social networking site “X.” Throughout the 2023–24 season, Pakistan’s star batter has not lived up to his reputation, with his output and influence falling short of expectations.
To All of You, Fans Today, I’m going to share some news with you. With effect from my announcement to the PCB and Team Management last month, I have chosen to step down from my position as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Written by Babar.
I’ve enjoyed leading this team, but it’s time for me to give it up and concentrate on my playing career. Being a captain has been a fulfilling experience, but it has also increased my workload. My priorities are to put my performance first, enjoy my hitting, and spend happy times with my family.
I’ll be able to go forward with more clarity and dedicate more of my energies to improving myself and my game by stepping down. I appreciate your resolute backing and faith in me. To me, your excitement has meant the world. I’m thrilled to keep playing for the squad and pleased with what we’ve accomplished together. I appreciate all of your kindness and help.
Over the next six months, Pakistan’s imminent white-ball duties include tours to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia. After Babar’s previous tenure ended, Shaheen Afridi took over as T20I captain. However, the left-arm bowler was also abruptly stripped of the captaincy, which sparked discussions over who would be Pakistan’s next white-ball captain. Pakistan has not participated in an ODI since the World Cup in 2023.
