Babar Azam has stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain for a second time within 12 months. The talented cricketer cited an urgent need to shed his current workload in a bid to improve his current performance.
When Did Babar Azam Step Down the Last Time?
Azam left his role as Pakistan’s captain in all formats (ODI, Test, and T20I) in November 2023. The cricketer resigned his role after Pakistan failed to progress from the group stages at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
He returned as Pakistan’s captain for white-ball cricket (ODIs and T20Is) in March 2024 before the ICC T20 World Cup. The Men in Green failed to make it past the competition’s group stage again, crashing out in unceremonious fashion.
Who Was Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain When Babar Azam Stepped Down?
Shaheen Shah Afridi took up the role as Pakistan’s captain in T20Is immediately after Azam vacated this position last year. Afridi faced several issues during his short time as Pakistan’s T20I captain. He would step down shortly after taking up this role when Pakistan failed to improve on the pitch.
Why Babar Azam resigned as Pakistan captain for second time?
“”Dear Fans, I’m sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month,” Azam shared through his social media account on Tuesday.
“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 continued. Azam stated that being Pakistan’s cricket captain has added a heavy workload to his original assignment as one of the team’s top batters.
“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload. 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. I’m grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. 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. Thank you for your love and support.”
Shah Masood Backs Azam to Perform
Red-ball captain Shah Masood took over from Azam when the skilled batter resigned from this role in November 2023. Masood is optimistic about Azam’s potential to deliver great performances for Team Pakistan going forward:
“We all know Babar is one of the top batters in the world and despite not scoring big runs the good thing is that he is not out of form, we have to back him,” Masood made this known during a recent news conference.
Masood is also under fire as Pakistan’s Test captain. The cricketer has had to endure five consecutive losses as Pakistan’s red-ball skipper after Azam’s resignation. Some fans and analysts are calling for Masood’s resignation as the team’s Test skipper while he drums support for former captain Azam.
Who is the Likely Candidate to Replace Babar Azam as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain?
Many reports suggest that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is the frontrunner to emerge as Pakistan’s next T20I and ODI captain. Rizwan is a senior member of the current squad and has massive experience across formats in Pakistan’s recent international competitions.
Pakistan Cricket Board Speaks on Babar Azam’s Resignation as Skipper
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement of acceptance after Azam’s social media post.
“Although the PCB had backed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, his decision to step down reflects his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player,” the PCB’s statement read.
“This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket. He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats.”
Pakistan’s cricket governing body also acknowledged Azam’s resignation through their statement and vowed to support their outgoing skipper:
“The PCB acknowledges Babar’s contributions as white-ball captain, his ability to prioritise the team’s needs and his unwavering dedication to Pakistan cricket. The PCB will continue to support Babar Azam, recognising he still has much to offer both as a world-class batter and a senior statesman of the team.”
PCB selectors will now choose another captain to lead the Men in Green across ODI and T20I events.
