Pakistan didn’t have the best of times, losing both their World Cup hopes and one of their biggest assets. After their exit from the tournament, changes were expected, and this one is particularly shocking.
Babar Azam emerged as a gem for Pakistan in the last decade, consistently featuring in the lineup and reaching the No. 1 spot in ODI and T20 formats. He became the heartbeat of the team, but like all good journeys, this one came to an end.
The 28-year-old international cricketer is stepping down as captain from all formats, continuing as a team member. His captaincy gifted the nation one of the best runs, reaching the No. 1 ODI spot. However, Pakistan’s World Cup journey didn’t lead them to the knockout stage.
They had a stable start in the tournament, but it wasn’t entirely secure. At times, the batting faltered, and at other times, the bowling struggled. After the exit, the team looks for a fresh start with a new mindset.
Via Twitter, Azam informed fans about his departure, stating, “Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a difficult decision, but I feel it is the 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 the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.”
– Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023