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Babar Azam (Source: Twitter)
Babar Azam announced his decision to step down as Pakistan captain in all three formats on Wednesday, November 15. There's been a lot going on around Pakistan cricket these days, and the latest development is shocking but not surprising to many. Babar's captaincy had come in for a lot of criticism even before the World Cup, which was heightened after Pakistan's disappointing campaign in India.
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“Today I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all three formats. It is a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right time for this call,” Babar said in a statement released on his social media handle X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Men in Green had to settle for fifth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup after suffering five defeats, including against arch-rivals India. They even surrendered to Afghanistan, who entered the tournament with the tag of 'underdogs'. Babar was also not impressive with his batting as he failed to play any remarkable innings. The former World No. 1 scored 320 runs in nine matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 82.90.
I am here to support the new captain and the team: Babar
Babar was appointed as Pakistan's white-ball captain in 2019. After assuming the captaincy in Test cricket in 2021, he took over the reins in all formats. The Lahore-born cricketer has led Pakistan in two Asia Cups, two T20 World Cups and one ODI World Cup. Notably, Babar guided his home team to the final of the T20 World Cup last year in Australia.
“I vividly remember the moment when I received a 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,” wrote Babar in his X-post.
"I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication. I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility," he added.
Recently, there were reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to take a call on Babar's captaincy future.
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023