Babar Azam Resigns As Pakistan Captain From All Formats Of The Game After Poor Cricket World Cup 2023

Pakistan finished at fifth spot in the World Cup 2023 points table. In the first step after failing to take his side to the semis, Babar Azam has taken the big decision.

(Source: ANI)

Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has stepped down from captaincy, he announced on X later on Wednesday. Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockouts of the World Cup in India, finishing at the fifth spot in the points table. As per reports, there was high pressure from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Babar to quit the leadership position. 

In a post on X, Babar wrote that he ahd many highs and lows as captain on and off the field since taking over the leadership role in 2019 but he wholeheartedly and passionately represented Pakistan on the field. 

"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," said Babar.

pic.twitter.com/8hZqS9JH0M — Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023

Babar dedicated Pakistan's World No 1 ranking in white-ball formats to the collective effort of the players, coaches and management and expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. 

Pakistan's star batter also said that he is looking to play all three formats of the game for Pakistan and will give his full support to the next captain. He added, "I am here to support the new captai and the team wth my experience and dedication."

Babar not only had a difficult time leading Pakistan in the World Cup but also looked a very average batter in the tournament. He scored just 320 runs in 9 matches with the best of 74. He scored just four fifties and the runs came at a strike rate of 82.90 and average of 40.

His Poor show with the bat may have forced Babar to consider stepping down as the captain. Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and cricketer Shoaib Malik had stressed on the fact that Babar is one of the best batters in world cricket but may not be the best captain Pakistan has seen. The critics also feel that the pressure of captaincy has had an effect on Babar's batting.

More to come..