Following Pakistan’s dismal World Cup 2023 campaign, Babar Azam has given up the captaincy in all the formats. Since then, Pakistan has named Shaheen Afridi as their Twenty20 international captain, Mohammad Hafeez as their new director of the Pakistan Men’s team, replacing Mickey Arthur, and Shan Masood as their captain for the Tests.
“I am leaving my position as Pakistan’s captain in all forms today. Though it’s a tough choice, I think this is the ideal time for this call,” Babar posted on the social media network X. “I shall carry on playing in all three forms for Pakistan. I’m here to lend my expertise and commitment to the squad and the new captain. I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board from the bottom of my heart for this important duty.”
Babar faced harsh criticism when Pakistan’s World Cup campaign went awry and was even seen cutting a lone figure following the team’s loss to Afghanistan. Pakistan’s leading batsman, who was ranked first in the world until very recently, struggled to score runs during the competition, managing only 320 with a strike rate of 82.90 and an average of 40. Out of the nine games in the league stage, Pakistan won just four.
Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by Babar as Pakistan’s white-ball captain in 2019. In 2021, he was given full control over the Test. Pakistan made it to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup finals in 2022 under his direction.
Babar Azam on his Resignation from Captaincy
“The time I was called by PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019 is still clearly in my memory. On and off the pitch, I’ve had a lot of highs and lows over the last four years, but my one and only goal has been to keep Pakistan’s dignity and respect in the cricket world intact.”
Babar’s ODI side likewise briefly topped the ICC rankings earlier this year. “Reaching the no.1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management. But I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey.”
Following a dramatic World Cup campaign in India, the PCB president was forced to refute internal divisions within the team and Inzamam Ul Haq, the team’s top selector, he was forced to resign due to an inquiry into claims of conflict of interest in the World Cup squad selection process, Babar took this choice. Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to start the World Cup with two victories. But four straight losses quickly turned the team around. They defeated Bangladesh and New Zealand in a bid at a late comeback, but it was inadequate.
PCB Board
Bowling coach Morne Morkel had submitted his resignation a few days before to the rest of the support personnel. The “new coaching staff” would be unveiled eventually, according to the PCB. Both batting coach Andrew Puttick and head coach Grant Bradburn, who led the squad throughout the World Cup, have announced their departures from the organization.
The board said in a release that “the PCB has changed the portfolio of the Pakistan coaching staff.” “All coaches will continue to work in the National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching staff. In due course for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand.”
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