Babar Azam resigns as Pakistan white-ball captain to foucs on batting: 'Time to focus on my playing role'

Babar Azam on Tuesday announced his resignation as Pakistan's white-ball captain, stating his desire to focus on his playing role in the national team. Babar had relinquished captaincy following Pakistan’s forgettable 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where they crashed out of the league stage.

Shaheen Afridi had taken over as T20I captain whereas Shan Masood took over the duties for Tests. Ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, however, Babar was reinstated as Pakistan’s white-ball captain following just one series under Shaheen Afridi. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairmanship also underwent a change earlier this year, with Mohsin Naqvi replacing Zaka Ashraf.

“I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” Azam wrote on “X”.

Dear Fans,

I'm 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.

It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus…

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024

Azam’s resignation came a week before Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England, starting in Multan on 7 October, in which he was named in the 15-man squad. Shan Masood continues to lead the Test side.

Pakistan also have a white-ball tour of Australia next month where Azam was due to lead the side, but now Pakistan Cricket Board will have to name a new skipper. “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.

“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.”  Azam led Pakistan's disastrous Twenty20 World Cup campaign – co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies – in June in which they were upset by the United States and lost to arch-rivals India to go out in the first round.

Azam has led Pakistan in 20 Tests, 43 ODIs and 85 T20Is since being first appointed skipper for the first time in 2019. Azam said he remained thankful for the opportunity to lead the country.

“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 wrote.

With inputs from AFP