Babar Azam has announced his resignation as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, stating that he wants to focus more on his role as a player in upcoming matches. He shared the news on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) late on Tuesday.
“I have decided to step down as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It has been a privilege to lead this team, but now it’s time for me to shift my attention to my playing role,” Babar posted, reflecting on his decision to relinquish leadership duties. He was reappointed captain just five months ago, in May of this year.
Test Series Against England and Leadership Change
Babar’s decision comes just one week before Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England, which kicks off in Multan on October 7. The star batter is included in the 15-man squad, but with his resignation, Shan Masood will take over as Test captain.
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s white-ball tour of Australia is also on the horizon. Babar was initially expected to lead the team on this tour, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will now need to appoint a new skipper to fill the void.
Why Babar Azam Stepped Down
Babar elaborated on the reasons for his resignation, explaining that the responsibilities of captaincy have become a significant burden. He expressed a desire to prioritize his batting performance and personal life moving forward.
“Being the captain has been an enriching experience, but it comes with a lot of demands. I want to focus on my performance, enjoy my time at the crease, and spend more quality time with my family,” he said. “By stepping down, I will have more clarity and energy to devote to my game and personal development.”
A Challenging Year for Babar Azam
Babar Azam’s resignation follows a turbulent year for the 30-year-old cricketer. He was removed from captaincy in all formats of the game after Pakistan’s disappointing first-round exit in the ODI World Cup held in India last November. However, following changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board, with Mohsin Naqvi replacing Zaka Ashraf as chairman, Babar was reinstated as the white-ball captain in May, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Despite being reinstated, Babar faced further challenges. Under his leadership, Pakistan struggled during the Twenty20 World Cup in June, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies. The team suffered a shocking defeat to the United States and lost to arch-rivals India, leading to another early exit from the tournament.
Reflecting on His Leadership Journey
Babar, who has led Pakistan in 20 Test matches, 43 ODIs, and 85 T20Is since his appointment as captain in 2019, expressed his gratitude to fans and supporters.
