Pakistan star batter Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain on 1 October 2024 to prioritize his performance and to spend quality time with his family.
Undoubtedly, Babar Azam is Pakistan’s most prolific batter and is also considered the second most successful captain in Pakistan’s history, just behind the legendary Imran Khan.
During his captaincy stint, Babar Azam led Pakistan in 148 matches, won 84 games and lost 50 matches.
Babar Azam as Pakistan Captain:
- Matches – 148
- Won – 84
- Lost – 50
- Tied – 02
- Draw – 04
- NR – 08
Notably, Babar stepped down as the captain of the Pakistan team for the second time in less than 12 months. After the 2023 ODI World Cup, in November 2023, Babar Azam resigned from captaincy in all formats while in March 2024, PCB reappointed Babar as Pakistan’s white ball captain.
But his second stint as Pakistan’s captain started in chaos as Pakistan made a drastic defeat in the T20 World Cup group stages match with the defeat to the USA being the main low for the side.
Pakistan’s recent test performance is also not up to mark. Shan Masood who took the red ball captaincy from Babar Azam last year has tasted defeats in all five tests he captained.
Notably, Shan Masood captained test side recently lost to Bangladesh for the first time in history. Shan Masood’s position as Pakistan test captain might come under scrutiny if the side doesn’t make a bounce back in the upcoming England series.
Babar Azam made the announcement public through his official ‘X’ handle. Babar Azam’s resignation post read “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 on my playing role. 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. 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.”
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
