Pakistan’s captaincy landscape is set for another shift as batting star Babar Azam has resigned from the limited-overs captaincy, reports Live Cricket Score.
The 29-year-old was stripped of his position as Pakistan’s white-ball captain following the team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, after a brief hiatus of just three months, Babar was reinstated in March 2024.
His second tenure began with turmoil, as Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup during the group stage, with a loss to the USA being a shallow point. Additionally, a setback against arch-rivals India, despite being in a commanding position, drew significant attention.
Given Pakistan cricket’s recent trends, this latest development isn’t particularly surprising. The Test side suffered its first-ever defeat to Bangladesh, and the Pakistani international team’s overall morale has been low.
Babar took to the social media platform ‘X’ to announce his decision, stating that he feels it’s time to concentrate fully on his batting. The talismanic batter has had a lacklustre 2023-24 season, with his performance and impact falling short of his usual standards.
“Dear Fans, I’m sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective from my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month,” Babar wrote.
“It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role. Captaincy has been a rewarding experience but has also added a considerable 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 growth. I’m grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player. Thank you for your love and support.”
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s immediate white-ball commitments include tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa over the next six months. Shaheen Afridi had replaced Babar as T20I captain after his previous stint ended. Still, he too faced an abrupt removal from captaincy, sparking discussions about who could take over as Pakistan’s new white-ball captain. Since the 2023 World Cup, the team has not played an ODI.
