Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, has decided to resign following an underwhelming performance at the ICC World Cup. Babar posted a lengthy note on social media platform X, explaining his decision was difficult, but now was the time.
Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that Shaheen Shah-Afridi will take on T20I captaincy while Shan Masood will assume Test captaincy; an announcement regarding ODI captaincy will come later.
The PCB has also confirmed that coaching staff will undergo significant change as they prepare for tours to Australia and New Zealand.
“The PCB announced in a press release that all coaching staff, including Mickey Arthur (Director Cricket), have had their portfolios altered by PCB.
All coaches will remain with the National Cricket Academy. At the same time, PCB announced its new coaching team for the Australia/New Zealand Series.
Babar has served as the multi-format captain of Pakistan since 2020. After taking charge of the T20 cricket team a year prior, he assumed all ODI and Test captaincy responsibilities simultaneously.
Pakistan’s underwhelming performance at the current Cricket World Cup hosted in India prompted the 29-year-old to resign immediately and unilaterally.
Babar took to social media and said, “I vividly recall receiving the PCB invitation to lead Pakistan in 2019.”
Over the past four years, I have experienced highs and lows on and off the pitch. Yet, my aim was always to uphold and protect Pakistan’s dignity in world cricket.
“I wish to extend my appreciation and thanks to all the passionate Pakistani cricket fans for their unfailing support on my journey.
“Today, I am retiring as captain of Pakistan in all formats.” It’s been challenging, but now is the right time for this move.
Pakistan was knocked out of semi-final qualifying places after losing five matches during the 2023 tournament, including Babar’s disappointing performance, scoring only 320 runs over nine innings – his highest score being just 74.
Former world No 1 ODI batter with an average of 56.72 and 19 centuries, He told the media he is available for all forms of play for Pakistan moving forward, offering his support to whoever will become captain.
“I will continue representing Pakistan across all three formats as a player. With my experience, I hope to assist the new captain and team.
“I intensely appreciate the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with such an essential responsibility.
Match Highlights
Babar was relieved from his white-ball duties by the PCB but chose to step down for all formats of cricket.
Zaka Ashraf stated, “Babar Azam is truly a world class player and we want him to continue his development as one. As one of Pakistan’s premier batsmen, we will support and assist him.” His impressive batting abilities serve as proof of both skill and dedication – something which serves as an inspiration for his current generation of cricketers.
“Our hope for him is that he will grow as an exceptional batsman, without the additional burden of captaincy; now he can focus on improving his performance to reach even higher heights. We fully support and respect his decision.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi, The New T20 Skipper
PCB swiftly appointed Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain of Pakistan Cricket Board’s Twenty20 cricket side after Babar Azam left. Meanwhile, Shan Masood will lead their Test side. Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed via social media on X that @shani_official had been appointed Test captain while @iShaheenAfridi would lead T20I squads.
“Barbar Azam possesses immense talent. We support his dreams to become a great cricketer.” Zaka Ashraf, the PCB Management Committee chairman, said Babar Azam is a model to the younger generation.
RELATED ARTICLE: PAKISTAN TEAM RETURN THEIR HOME & SEE THEIR WC JOURNEY
