Star batsman Babar Azam has resigned as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan national cricket team for the second time in the last 10 months. Babar Azam revealed that he made the decision to “prioritise” his performance as a player after his disastrous second reign as Pakistan’s white-ball captain.
He first stepped down as Pakistan’s captain in all formats after the team’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals. However, with the PCB’s management change, Babar was again appointed as the white-ball captain.
Babar Azam began his second term as captain with a 2-2 draw in the T20I series at home against second-ranked New Zealand. However, the lowest score came after a surprise loss to the USA in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan lost the next game to India and failed to advance to the Super 8 stage.
He faced heavy criticism after Pakistan’s poor performance in the Caribbean and the US. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board did not make any immediate changes in the team. Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan have been touted as potential successors to become Pakistan’s next white-ball captain.
I want to prioritize my performance – Babar Azam
On Wednesday, October 2, Babar Azam announced on his social media account that he will step down as the captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Babar said he felt it was time to step down and focus on the game.
The 29-year-old striker said it was an honor to lead the team, but stressed that the captaincy added a significant workload. He said he will gain clarity moving forward after his retirement and focus more energy on his game and personal development.
“I have some news to share with you today. I have decided to step down as the captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team effective last month following my notice to the PCB and Team Management. It has been an honor to lead this team, but it is time for me to step down and focus on my role. “, – Babar Azam wrote.
“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it has added an extra workload. I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy. By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal development.” direct,” he said.
Dear fans,
Today I share some news with you. I have decided to resign as the captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team with effect from my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.
It has been an honor to lead this team, but it is time for me to step down and focus on…
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024
Pakistan will face Australia in the next White Ball Match
Pakistan’s next white ball assignment will be against Australia in November. They will play limited-overs cricket against Zimbabwe and South Africa over the next six months. Note that Pakistan has not played an ODI game since ODI World Cup 2023.
Pakistan will play a three-match series against New Zealand and South Africa before the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held in February and March next year. The Men in Green will enter the Champions Trophy as the defending champions with a win in 2017.
