Babar Azam has stepped down as the captain of Pakistan Cricket Team with immediate effect. The Cricket World Cup 2023 was his last assignment as the captain. After the WC campaign ended in disappointment with Pakistan failing to make it to the semifinals, Babar Azam was removed as the white-ball captain. While Pakistan Cricket Board asked him to continue as the Test captain, Babar decided to step down ahead of Pakistan Tour of Australia in December.
“Babar was asked to continue as Test captain, while he has been relieved of captaincy in white-ball cricket for him to focus on one format. After consultation with his family, Babar decided to step down and PCB stands behind his decision. PCB respects his decision and continues to support him as a player,” PCB said in a statement after Babar Azam announced his decision.
Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, Pakistan finished 5th in the ICC Cricket World Cup with 4 wins and 5 losses. Pakistan also suffered a humiliating loss to India in Ahmedabad and Afghanistan.
With two important tours coming up in Pakistan Tour of Australia and New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Shan Masood as the new Test captain while Shaheen Afridi will be the new leader of T20I team. But the PCB has not announced any captain for ODIs.
Babar Azam captaincy record
| Format | Matches | Won | Loss | Draw | W/L % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 62.50 |
| ODI | 43 | 26 | 15 | 1 | 60.46 |
| T20I | 71 | 42 | 23 | 6 | 64.61 |
Babar Azam was under fire after missing out on Asia Cup 2022, T20 World Cup 2022, Asia Cup 2023 and Cricket World Cup 2023. Even though he has been scoring runs, his captaincy did not please many including former captain Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi.
The 29-year-old was expected to take a call after consulting his family and close aides after reaching home following Cricket World Cup exit. He has now made the decision official.
PCB chief Zaka Ashraf offered Babar Azam to continue as the captain in Tests. However, Babar refused to stay on. On Wednesday, Babar met with Zaka Ashraf in Lahore.
“Babar Azam is truly a world-class player and we want him to continue to thrive as a player. He is one of the best batters Pakistan has ever produced. He is our asset, and we will continue to support him. His batting prowess is a testament to his dedication and skill. He is a role model for the present generation,” Zaka Ashraf said.
“We want to see him grow as a great batter and now without his additional burden of the captaincy, he can focus more on his performances to reach even greater heights. We respect his decision and will continue to back him.”
Earlier this week, Zaka Ashraf met with Younis Khan, Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Hafeez for advice on the team. He also met with Shahid Afridi earlier.
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