Babar Azam resigns as Pakistan’s ODI and T20I captain for second time in a year
In an unforeseen call, star batter Babar Azam stepped down as the captain of the white-ball teams of Pakistan.
Babar took to social media on Wednesday to announce resigning from the post in ODIs and T20Is, adding that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management of his decision in September.
Babar said captaincy added a ‘significant workload’ and that by stepping down, he would channel his energy into contributing to the team with the bat. The star batter’s decision came shortly after he slipped out of the top 10 in the International Cricket Council Test rankings. Babar has been going through a rare lean patch in international cricket.
“Dear Fans, I am 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,” Babar said in a late-night post on X, formerly Twitter.
It is the second time in less than a year that Babar has resigned from the captaincy of the senior national men’s team. Babar stepped down as the captain of all three formats after Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ODI World Cup in India in October-November last month.
However, Babar was reinstated as the captain earlier this year following a change in the leadership of the PCB. Shaheen Afridi, who was appointed as Babar’s replacement in T20Is, was sacked after just one T20I series at the helm, earlier this year in New Zealand.
Babar’s stepping down comes after Pakistan’s dismal show in the T20 World Cup in 2024 that India went on to win. Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage after losing to India and the USA. Pakistan had to deal with rumours of rift in the dressing room throughout their campaign as newly-appointed head coach Gary Kirsten’s first assignment with the team ended on a miserable note.
Babar’s former teammate Imad Wasim, in a public comment, said he was surprised when Babar was reinstated as the white-ball captain earlier in 2024.
WHY BABAR QUIT AS CAPTAIN: FULL STATEMENT
“It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role. 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,” Babar added in his statement.
“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,” he said.
TIMELINE OF PAKISTAN’S CAPTAINCY MUSICAL CHAIR
November 15, 2023: Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan captain in all three formats
November 15, 2023: Shan Masood appointed Test captain, Shaheen Afridi takes over as T20I captain
March 31, 2024: Shaheen Afridi sacked as T20I captain, Shan Masood continues as Test captain
March 31, 2024: Babar Azam was re-appointed as T20I and ODI captain
October 02, 2024: Babar Azam resigns as ODI and T20I captain
Babar’s decision to step down as captain comes after the Strategic Connection Camp – a workshop that was held in September to chart out the future plan for Pakistan cricket. Babar, Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan were among the senior players who attended the workshop along with coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie.
Pakistan have not played an ODi since their World Cup exit in India in November 2023 and have not played T20Is since the World Cup in June.
Notably, Test captain Shan Masood has also been facing immense scrutiny after Pakistan’s shock series loss to Bangladesh last month at home.
While speaking to the press on Tuesday, ahead of the upcoming Test series against England, Shan Masood’s self-respect was questioned as a reporter asked the skipper why he did not quit despite the embarrassing loss to Bangladesh. Notably, it was Jason Gillespie’s first assignment as Test coach.
Babar was picked in the Shan Masood-led side for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, starting October 07 in Multan.