Babar Azam has resigned as Pakistan’s cricket captain for the second time, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan expected to take over in limited-overs formats later this month. Babar announced in a late-night statement on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that he had notified the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management of his decision last month.

Focus on Batting and Reducing Workload

In his statement, Babar did not specify the exact date he informed the board about his resignation. Still, he emphasized his desire to concentrate on his batting and reduce the stress of captaincy. The 29-year-old stated:

“I’m sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month. It’s been an honor to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role.”

A Rollercoaster Journey as Captain

Babar had initially stepped down from the captaincy following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Despite this, he was reinstated as the captain in March 2024 for the white-ball formats. However, his second stint did not result in improved fortunes. Pakistan’s performance remained lacklustre, particularly during the T20 World Cup in the Americas in June, where they lost to both the USA and India, failing to reach the Super Eight stage.

The Emotional Burden of Captaincy

Reflecting on his tenure, Babar shared how the leadership role had been both a rewarding and challenging experience. He acknowledged the heavy toll it took on him, stating:

“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload. I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy. By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.”

Gratitude for Support

Babar expressed his gratitude to fans and supporters for standing by him during his leadership. He assured them that he would continue contributing to the team as a player, saying:

“I’m grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player.”

A Look Back at Babar’s Captaincy Journey

Babar Azam’s captaincy journey began in 2019 when he was appointed as the T20 captain. He later took charge of the ODI and Test teams in 2020. Throughout his leadership, Babar brought his own style to the team, but the recent results have not met expectations.

Pakistan’s Upcoming Challenges

Babar’s resignation adds another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s preparations for several key assignments. The team is set to host England for a Test series starting on October 7, after which they will embark on a series of away tours. These include:

– Australia (November 2024): Three ODIs and three T20Is.

– Zimbabwe (Late November 2024): Three ODIs and three T20Is.

– South Africa (December 2024): Three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches.

Following these international tours, Pakistan will return home to face the West Indies and New Zealand, with the team also slated to host the Champions Trophy early next year.

Babar’s decision to step down as captain highlights his commitment to personal growth and the development of the team. With Mohammad Rizwan likely to take over, Pakistan will be looking to rebuild and prepare for the busy international schedule ahead.

Hiba Malik

Hiba Malik is a freelance content writer for mixplatemagazine

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