Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batsman, announced his resignation as captain of the national cricket team on Tuesday. In a post on X, he revealed that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management of his decision last month.
In his statement, Babar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team. “It’s been an honor to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” he wrote.
He reflected on his experience as captain, describing it as “rewarding” but acknowledged the heavy workload that came with the role. He explained that stepping down would allow him to focus more on his own performance and personal growth. “I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy,” Babar added.
Babar also thanked fans for their unwavering support, saying, “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.”
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A Tumultuous Journey as Captain
Babar had returned to the captaincy in March after the PCB strategically reinstated him to lead the team in ODIs and T20s. His captaincy journey began in 2019 when he was appointed as the T20 captain, and by 2020, he had taken charge of both the Test and ODI teams.
However, Babar stepped down from the captaincy in November last year after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup. Shaheen Shah Afridi had replaced him as the T20 captain, while Shan Masood took over the Test side.
Reports suggested that Babar had placed certain conditions before the PCB when he was asked to return as captain. Sources indicated that he wanted supreme authority as captain and sought a two-year tenure, with no accountability for the team’s performance in the T20 World Cup.
Babar’s Decline in ICC Rankings
Babar recently experienced a rare dip in form, dropping out of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) top 10 rankings for Test batsmen for the first time in nearly five years. He now sits at number 11, a position he hasn’t held since breaking into the top 10 in December 2019.
The former skipper’s highest ranking during this period was second, which he achieved during England’s 2022 tour of Pakistan, a series that ended in a 3-0 whitewash for the home side.
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Future Leadership Speculations
In the wake of Pakistan’s inconsistent performances in both Test and limited-overs formats, discussions about leadership changes have been ongoing. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that major decisions regarding Babar and Test captain Shan Masood would be made in consultation with key stakeholders.
Amid these discussions, some reports have surfaced, suggesting that wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan may be in line for captaincy across all formats. However, no official confirmation has been made.
Despite the mounting criticism, Shan Masood will continue to lead Pakistan in the upcoming series against England, despite his poor record as Test captain, losing five consecutive matches.
Babar’s decision to step down marks the end of a significant chapter in Pakistan cricket, but he remains committed to contributing as a player.
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