Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan captain from all formats

Staff Report 

LAHORE: Ending speculations on Wednesday, Babar Azam finally announced he was stepping down as captain from all cricket formats. The announcement came shortly after he met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Interim Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf here yesterday Wednesday, following the national squad’s dismal performance in the ICC World Cup in India. Babar, who was captain of the Test and ODI teams since 2020, was under fire for several months after Pakistan failed to perform in the Asia Cup and continued the same momentum into the World Cup — where they crashed out before reaching the semis. Pakistan lost five of their nine games including a seven-wicket mauling by India in front of more than 100,000 fans in Ahmedabad. Pakistan also lost to Afghanistan for the first time. Babar scored 320 runs in nine matches during the World Cup ––– the third highest for Pakistan ––– at an average of 40 and strike rate of 82.90.

Zaka Ashraf offered Babar to remain the team’s skipper in Tests, but he refused. Recalling the first time he was appointed as captain for the white-ball format, Babar said he “vividly” remembers the moment — as it is for people who are asked to take on a huge role. “Over the past four years, I’ve experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world,” Babar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Reaching the No. 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey, he added. Babar said stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats was a difficult decision. “But I feel it is a right time for this call. I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication. I want to express my sincere thanks to the PCB for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.” Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn will not be sacked. However, they will find their roles reduced significantly; neither are expected to be part of the travelling contingent for Pakistan’s next tour, a three match Test series in Australia starting next month.