On Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially accepted Babar Azam’s resignation from the role of captain for the white-ball cricket team, while simultaneously affirming that he has much to offer the team moving forward. This decision marks a significant shift in Babar’s career, allowing him to concentrate more on his batting.
Babar announced his resignation via a late-night tweet on Tuesday, expressing his need to focus on being a player, as the demands of captaincy had begun to weigh heavily on him. He first took the helm as T20 captain in 2019, followed by his leadership of the Test and ODI teams in 2020. Last November, following a disappointing showing by Pakistan in the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup, he initially stepped down from captaincy, paving the way for Shaheen Shah Afridi to assume the T20 captaincy and Shan Masood to take charge of the Test squad.
In March, Babar was reinstated as the captain for ODIs and T20s, as part of a “strategic move” by the PCB. However, the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup earlier this year in the United States and West Indies further intensified scrutiny of his leadership.
The PCB acknowledged Babar’s decision to resign as a reflection of his commitment to making a more meaningful contribution as a player. In its press release, the board commended his dedication and professionalism, emphasizing that his focus on batting could enhance the team’s performance in limited-overs formats. The PCB also expressed ongoing support for Babar, recognizing his talent and experience as a world-class batter and key figure in the squad.
With Babar stepping down, the PCB has tasked the national selection committee with developing a strategic plan for white-ball cricket, which includes the search for a new captain.
Babar reflected on his leadership journey, stating that representing Pakistan has been his “greatest honor.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the team’s success, affirming that stepping down will enable him to deliver more impactful performances as a player.
This leadership transition comes amid considerable criticism of both Babar and Shan for their roles in the national team’s disappointing performances. There have been increasing calls for a comprehensive review of the team’s composition and leadership following a series of lackluster results.
Amidst these changes, Shan will continue to lead the team in the upcoming series against England, despite facing his own challenges as captain. The PCB is hopeful that the fresh leadership dynamics will reinvigorate the team as they prepare for future competitions, including the crucial ICC Champions Trophy to be held on home soil next year.
