Babar Azam, Pakistan’s cricket team captain, has stepped down from the captaincy in all formats, citing the need for a fresh perspective and a change in leadership. The decision comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the Asia Cup and the 2023 World Cup.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s cricket team captain, surprised the cricket community by announcing his resignation on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The decision came shortly after his meeting with Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Interim Management Committee, in Lahore.
In his statement, Azam recalled the moment he received the call to lead Pakistan in 2019, expressing his dedication to upholding the country’s pride in the cricket world.
Despite highs and lows on and off the field over the past four years, he credited the team’s collective efforts for achieving the number one spot in white-ball cricket. Azam thanked the passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support.
Babar Azam officially stepped down as the captain in all formats, describing it as a difficult decision but the right time for the call. He pledged to continue representing Pakistan as a player in all three formats and offered support to the new captain and the team with his experience and dedication.
Babar Azam expressed gratitude to the PCB for entrusting him with the significant responsibility.
The decision followed criticism of Babar Azam and the team management for Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the Asia Cup and the 2023 World Cup, where they were eliminated during the league stages in both tournaments.
Despite the board’s initial intention for Azam to lead in the upcoming Australia Test series, the World No.2 ODI batter decided to step down from all formats.
This announcement came in the wake of bowling coach Morne Morkel’s departure earlier in the week, making him the first to quit Pakistan’s coaching staff after the team’s failure to reach the World Cup semi-finals. The developments have left fans and cricket enthusiasts contemplating the future direction of Pakistan cricket under new leadership.
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