Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan Captain From All Formats Following Disastrous World Cup 2023 Campaign

Lahore: Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, has stepped down from his role in all formats following the team’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The team failed to qualify for the semi-finals with just four wins in nine matches.

In a statement, Babar expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the fans for their support during his leadership since 2019. He highlighted the highs and lows experienced on and off the field, emphasizing his dedication to maintaining Pakistan’s pride in the cricket world.

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— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023

Babar, who scored 320 runs in the World Cup, the third-highest for Pakistan, at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 82.90, will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. He pledged support to the new captain and the team, offering his experience and dedication.

While no official replacement has been announced, Shan Masood is considered the frontrunner for the Test captaincy. Speculation around Babar’s future grew after Pakistan’s World Cup exit, but uncertainties regarding the PCB’s authority to remove the captain complicated the situation.

Babar resigned without specifying a reason after a meeting at the PCB headquarters.

Further, reports suggest that team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn will not be sacked but will see reduced roles, excluding them from the upcoming Test series in Australia next month.