Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan white-ball captain

Babar Azam revealed he had stepped down from Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy only six months after being reappointed ODI and T20 skipper by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“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 on X.

“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.”

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Babar stepped down as all-formats captain — including tests — after Pakistan failed to make the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in India last year.

Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan briefly in the T20 format but was removed from the captaincy after Pakistan lost 4-1 to New Zealand.

Pakistan hasn’t played an ODI since the World Cup.

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam congratulates Australia's David Warner on his fine innings after Warner got out during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match between Australia and Pakistan in Bengaluru, India, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) AP

Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, reappointed Babar as white-ball captain in March, but he could only win a bilateral series against Ireland 2-1.

Pakistan drew the home T20 series against New Zealand 2-2 before losing 2-0 to England just before the Twenty20 World Cup, where Pakistan failed to reach the Super Eight stage after losing to co-host United States and arch-rival India in the group stage.

Babar, who hasn’t struck a half century in his last 16 test innings, scored heavily in a recent domestic tournament where he hit a century for Stallions and finished as the tournament’s fourth top-scorer with 230 runs in four matches.

Babar didn’t lead Stallions and played under the captaincy of Mohammad Haris.

Babar led Pakistan in 43 ODIs, winning 26 and losing 15. He also captained Pakistan in 85 T20s with a win-loss record of 48-29.

Babar said it was an “honour to lead” Pakistan, but he believed it was time for him to step down and focus on his playing role.

“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.”

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