Babar Azam has resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball cricket captain for the second time in 11 months, citing a desire to reduce his workload and focus on improving his personal performance.
The decision comes after a challenging period for the team, with Babar Azam stepping down to focus on his batting and personal well-being.
Babar Azam had previously resigned from the captaincy of all three formats after Pakistan’s failure to reach the knockout stages of the 50-over World Cup last year.
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However, he returned to lead the white-ball side in March ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup. Despite high hopes, Pakistan did not advance to the Super Eight stage of the tournament, leading to renewed scrutiny of Babar’s leadership.
In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Babar Azam explained his reasons for stepping down. “It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” he wrote.
Babar Azam :
“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.”
Dear Fans,
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024
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’s statement reflects a desire to regain focus and clarity in his game, while stepping back from the responsibilities of captaincy. By relinquishing the leadership role, Babar Azam aims to channel more energy into his own performance and personal growth, ensuring he continues to play at his best.
During his second stint as captain, Pakistan struggled in the T20 format, winning just six out of the 13 matches they played under his leadership.
One of the most significant setbacks came during the T20 World Cup when Pakistan faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of the United States, marking one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. Babar did not lead Pakistan in any one-day international matches during this period.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will host England for a three-test series, starting in Multan on Monday. Following the test series, Pakistan is scheduled to travel to Australia for ODI and T20 matches in November.
Babar’s decision to step down from captaincy will allow him to focus on his role as a player during these crucial upcoming fixtures.
Despite the challenges faced during his tenure as captain, Babar’s contribution to the team remains invaluable. His leadership, while short-lived, has left a mark on Pakistan cricket, and his decision to step back may ultimately benefit both him and the team.
As Babar focuses on refining his game and finding balance in his life, fans will be eager to see him continue to excel as one of the team’s key players.
Babar Azam, Pakistan cricket, white-ball captain, T20 World Cup, resignation, focus on performance, Pakistan vs England, Pakistan vs Australia
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏