Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, has decided to step down from his role as captain of the national team’s white-ball formats. In a statement released on Tuesday, Babar cited the need to focus on his personal performance and find balance in his life as key reasons behind the decision.
“I have made the decision to step down as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective immediately after notifying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management last month,” Babar posted on X (formerly Twitter). He further explained that while leading the national team had been a rewarding journey, the workload associated with the position had impacted his ability to enjoy the game. “I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting again, and spend more quality time with my family.”
This decision marks the second time Babar has resigned from leadership duties. He initially stepped down from all-format captaincy following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage. After that tournament, Shaheen Afridi briefly took over the T20 captaincy, but his tenure ended abruptly following Pakistan’s heavy 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand.
Despite Babar being reinstated as captain earlier this year, his return to leadership yielded mixed results. Pakistan won a bilateral series against Ireland 2-1 but struggled against stronger opponents. The team drew a T20 series 2-2 against New Zealand and lost a two-match series to England. Their early exit from the T20 World Cup, including a shocking loss to co-hosts the United States and arch-rivals India, only heightened concerns regarding the team’s direction under Babar’s leadership.
Individually, Babar has faced scrutiny for his recent form in Test cricket, failing to record a half-century in his last 16 innings. However, his domestic performance showed glimpses of brilliance, most notably in the Champions Cup One-Day Tournament, where he scored 230 runs in four matches while playing for the Stallions under Mohammad Haris’ captaincy.
During his tenure as captain, Babar led Pakistan in 43 ODIs, securing 26 victories and 15 losses. In T20 Internationals, he captained 85 matches, winning 48 and losing 29. Reflecting on his time as captain, Babar expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead but acknowledged that it was the right time for a new direction. “By stepping down, I hope to gain clarity and focus more on my game and personal growth,” he concluded.
Babar’s decision to step down has drawn mixed reactions from fans, with some criticizing his leadership, citing more “resignations than trophies” under his tenure. The Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to announce a replacement, leaving a leadership vacuum as the team looks to rebuild after a tumultuous period.
