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Babar Azam Resigns From Pakistan’s White-Ball Captaincy
Babar Azam resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, citing the heavy workload of leadership.
In an unexpected move, star batter Babar Azam announced his resignation as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, stepping down from the leadership of both the ODI and T20I teams. The announcement was made on Wednesday via social media, where Babar revealed he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management of his decision back in September.
Babar, who had been under increased pressure following a rare lean patch in international cricket, cited the heavy workload of captaincy as a key reason for his decision. “Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload. By stepping down, I will focus more on my batting and personal growth,” Babar said.
This is the second time in less than a year that Babar has relinquished his leadership role. He had previously stepped down from all three formats after Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. However, he was reinstated earlier this year following changes in the PCB leadership, replacing Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain after just one series.
Addressing his decision, Babar said, “It’s been an honor to lead this team, but now I want to prioritize my performance and spend more quality time with my family. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I look forward to contributing as a player.”
Pakistan In Dilemma
Babar’s resignation follows a September workshop, the Strategic Connection Camp, which included senior players like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan, along with coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. This camp aimed to chart the future course of Pakistan cricket.
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The PCB now faces a leadership dilemma, as Test captain Shan Masood is also under scrutiny after Pakistan’s shocking home series loss to Bangladesh. Shan is set to lead Pakistan in the upcoming three-match Test series against England, starting October 7 in Multan.
Last Updated on October 2, 2024
