Pakistan’s right-handed batter Babar Azam announced his resignation from the captaincy on Tuesday, having led the national cricket team in ODIs and T20Is.
In a social media post, he shared, “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.”
Azam faced criticism for the team’s lackluster performance in the World Cup and expressed that while it was an honor to lead, he felt it was time to step down and concentrate on his playing role.
This announcement comes just months before Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy, with the reigning champions set to host the prestigious tournament in February next year.
He noted that while captaincy has been a rewarding experience, it also brought a “significant” workload. “I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy,” he said.
By stepping down, Azam aims to gain clarity moving forward and to channel more energy into his game and personal development.
He expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, stating, “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player.”