Babar Azam Steps Down as Pakistan's Captain From All Formats After World Cup 2023 Debacle

Babar Azam has announced his decision to step down as Pakistan’s captain across all formats after the Green Army failed to qualify for the World Cup 2023 semifinal.

Pakistan finished fifth in the World Cup, missing out on a semifinal berth, and subsequently the 28-year-old has relinquished leadership of the side across all formats, he confirmed on social media platform X via a statement.

Babar himself wasn’t at his best during the World Cup in India, scoring 320 runs in nine matches, a far cry from his usual lofty standards. The skipper finished as the third-highest run-scorer for his team, with an average of 40. Mohammad Rizwan was the highest run-getter for Pakistan with 395 runs under his belt.

Under Babar’s captaincy, Pakistan had reached the final of T20 World Cup 2022, but lost to England, and they reached the T20 World Cup semifinal before that.

“I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019. Over the past four years, I’ve experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world,” read the statement from Babar.

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“Reaching the number 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.

“Today I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a difficult decision but I feel it is a right time for this call.

“I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication. I want to express my sincere thanks to Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.

“Pakistan Zindabad,” concluded Babar’s statement.

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Pakistan were able to win just four matches during the World Cup, they won their first two games, but after their 7-wicket loss to India, everything went downhill for them as they lost four games in a row, before winning against New Zealand and Bangladesh, however, their loss to England was the final nail in the coffin.

Babar’s decision to step down as Pakistan’s captain from all formats is the latest step in PCB’s efforts to completely revamp their setup as bowling coach Morne Morkel stepped down days ago, followed by the sacking of the entire selection committee.