Babar Azam Quits Pakistan Captaincy. Check emotional message
The decision comes after the poor performance of Team Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
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Significantly, Babar Azam, the all-format commander of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, has tendered his resignation from his role in all three formats of the sport subsequent to the disastrous World Cup.
The determination is a result of Team Pakistan's lackluster performance in both the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It was anticipated that the Men in Green would prevail in both contests due to the strength of their squad and the accustomed conditions of the subcontinent. They performed inadequately, nonetheless.
With only four victories, The Babar Azam & Co. finished in fourth and last place on the Asia Cup Super Four stage points table and fifth place on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 points table.
Pakistan began the 2023 ODI World Cup on a strong note, winning consecutive matches by an extensive margin. Their subsequent four-match losing stretch, however, put their semi-final hopes in jeopardy.
The Men in Green needed to chase down England's target of 338 runs in 6.4 overs in their final group stage match of 2023 in order to surpass New Zealand's Net Run Rate and secure a semi-final spot. Nevertheless, with a score of 30/2 after 6.4 overs, they were eliminated from the competition. They ultimately suffered a 93-run loss in the contest.
I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats – Babar Azam
Babar Azam stated on his official X account that his tenure as the all-format captain of Team Pakistan has been marked by numerous highs and lows. Pakistan's ascent to No. 1 in the ICC ODI Rankings during Babar Azam's tenure was an accomplishment he attributed to the team management, coaches, and players.
He additionally declared his resignation as captain and expressed his willingness to offer his complete backing to the recently appointed team commander. Babar Azam further stated:
"The moment I received the phone call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019 is etched in my memory." During the preceding four years, I underwent numerous ups and downs both on and off the field, but I endeavored to preserve Pakistan's honor and esteem in the cricketing community with all my heart and soul.
"Achieving the top position in the white-ball format was a collaborative endeavor involving players, coaches, and management. However, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to fervent Pakistan cricket supporters for their steadfast encouragement throughout this endeavor."
"I am announcing my resignation as captain of Pakistan across all formats today." Despite the difficulty of the decision, I believe the time is appropriate for this call. As a player, I shall persist in representing Pakistan across all three formats. I am present to offer my expertise and unwavering commitment to the team in support of the newly appointed commander. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board for placing this monumental duty in my charge. Philippine Zindabad.
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, participated in 43 ODIs, of which it won 26 and lost 15. Babar Azam led Pakistan to 42 victories out of 71 Twenty20 Internationals, with the team suffering defeats in 23 matches. Furthermore, under his leadership, Pakistan conducted 20 Tests, during which the team recorded 10 victories and 6 defeats.
