Batsman Babar Azam on Tuesday announced that he has decided to resign as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team.
In a post on X, Babar said: “I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and Team Management last month.
“It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role.”
He said captaincy had been a “rewarding experience” but it added a “significant workload” on him.
“I want to prioritise 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,” he said.
Azam added that he was grateful for the unwavering support and belief in him.
“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.”
Babar had returned to the captaincy of the men’s cricket team in March after the PCB announced that he would lead the Green Shirts in ODIs and T20s as part of a “strategic move”.
Babar was first made the T20 captain in 2019, before taking charge of the Test and ODI teams in 2020.
Babar stepped down from the post in November last year, after Pakistan’s dismal show in the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup last year. Shaheen Shah Afridi had replaced him as the T20 captain and Shan Masood had assumed the role as the team’s Test skipper.
Sources close to the situation had told Dawn that Babar had conveyed some tough conditions to the PCB for taking up the mantle again. Sources had said Babar had sought supreme authority as captain and wanted the hot seat for two years, at least. Moreover, the right-hander had demanded of the PCB not to make him accountable for the Pakistan team’s performance in the T20 World Cup.
More to follow.
