LAHORE (Dunya News) – Babar Azam on Wednesday stepped down as captain of Pakistan team in all formats days after the national team was eliminated from the World Cup 2023.
The right-hand batsman shared a copy of his resignation on social media platform X, saying: “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 resp.t in the cricket world”.
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023
“Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coach, and management but I'd like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support &ring 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,” he said.
Babar Azam said he would support the new captain and the team with his experience and dedication. “I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility,” he concluded.
The resignation comes after the Pakistan was eliminated from the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 due to unimpressive performance in the group stage matches.
Read more: England beat Pakistan in style as both bow out of World Cup
Soon after the Pakistan’s exit from the tournament, Morne Morkel resigned as the bowling coach.
The former South Africa fast bowler joined the Pakistan team on a six-month contract in June this year. Morkel’s first assignment with the men’s team was their tour to Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series.
“Pakistan Cricket Board will announce his replacement in due course. Pakistan's next assignment is a three-match Test series against Australia scheduled to take place from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024, in Australia,” the board had said in a statement.
What PCB Says
Chairman PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf: “Babar Azam is truly a world-class player and we want him to continue to thrive as a player. He is one of the best batters Pakistan has ever produced. He is our asset, and we will continue to support him. His batting prowess is a testament to his dedication and skill. He is a role model for the present generation.
“We want to see him grow as a great batter and now without his additional burden of the captaincy, he can focus more on his performances to reach even greater heights. We respect his decision and will continue to back him.”
The PCB has changed the portfolio of the entire coaching staff including Director Cricket Mickey Arthur. All coaches will continue to work in National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching staff in due course for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand.
Public Reactions
— M Usman Khan (@ImMUsmanKhan_) November 15, 2023
Kaptana, aap Dilo k Kaptaan ho. You are definitely one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever seen.
— Muhammad Rizwan (@IamRizwanPK) November 15, 2023