Lahore, November 15, 2023: Pakistan’s premier batsman, Babar Azam, has resigned from the position of all-format captain in the wake of the team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing 2023 World Cup.
“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a difficult decision but I feel it is a right time for this call,” the right-handed batter said in a statement issued on X (Formerly Twitter).
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023
The announcement followed a meeting between the 29-year-old and Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. According to sources, the PCB has opted to keep Babar Azam as captain for the upcoming Test series against Australia, set to begin on December 14 next month.
The right-handed batsman was informed that the PCB intends to introduce a new captain for the white-ball format. The board has yet to finalize the decision on Babar’s replacement in white-ball cricket, according to sources. However, sources suggested that Babar was not inclined to continue as captain in any single format.
It is worth noting that the talented batter took on the role of white-ball captain in 2019 and assumed the position of Test skipper in 2021.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam stated in a release that he will remain a representative of Pakistan as a player across all three formats.
“I distinctly recall the moment when the PCB approached me to captain Pakistan in 2019. Throughout the last four years, I have encountered numerous triumphs and challenges, both on and off the field. Nevertheless, my sincere dedication and passion were always directed towards upholding Pakistan’s pride and reputation in the cricketing arena,” expressed the right-handed batsman.
He highlighted that the Pakistan cricket team achieved the top position in the white-ball format through the “collective efforts of players, coaches, and management.”
Azam also extended his appreciation to the dedicated fans of Pakistan cricket for their “unwavering support throughout this journey.”
“I will persist in representing Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am committed to supporting the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication,” he stated, expressing gratitude to the PCB for “entrusting me with this significant responsibility.”
Babar Azam’s captaincy and his future in the role were cast into doubt after the national team’s subpar showing in the 2023 World Cup. The team endured five defeats, marking the highest number of losses in their World Cup history. Notably, these losses included their inaugural defeat against Afghanistan in ODIs and their first loss against South Africa in World Cups in this century. Despite the batter’s leadership, Pakistan fell short of reaching the semifinals, concluding the tournament in fifth place in the standings with eight points.
