Cricketer Babar Azam has officially announced his resignation from the captaincy across all formats following the humiliating exit of the Pakistan Cricket Team from the World Cup’s group stage.
The announcement was made via Babar’s social media account on X formerly Twitter, following a meeting with Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Interim Management Committee, in Lahore.
According to the insiders, Babar Azam told to continue his captaincy in red ball cricket, a request that he declined during meeting with the PCB management.
Reflecting on his captaincy journey in the news statement, Babar recounted the moment he received the call to lead Pakistan in 2019.
He acknowledged the highs and lows experienced both on and off the field over the past four years.
“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. 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,” he said in the news statement.
Notably, he expressed gratitude to the players, coaches, and management for collectively achieving the number one spot in white-ball cricket.
Babar also extended his thanks to the passionate cricket fans for their unwavering support.
Babar expressed appreciation for the significant responsibility entrusted to him by the PCB. This decision marks the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez lauded Babar’s services as captain, highlighting his contribution to winning matches for the team.
Meanwhile, the PCB is undergoing an assessment of the team’s World Cup performance, with former captain Younis Khan, along with ex-players Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir, advising against wholesale changes ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia.
