Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan's all-format captain
In what can be called a major shocker, Babar Azam has stepped down as Pakistan captain across formats. He confirmed the same in an official statement on Wednesday (November 15). Babar's decision came following Pakistan's poor campaign in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. He, however, will continue to serve across formats as a batter. Here are further details.
Here is what Babar said
"I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019. Over the past four years," Babar said in a statement announcing his decision. "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."
Pakistan's run in the WC
After winning their first two games in the competition, the Men in Green lost five of their next seven matches and finished fifth in the table. Babar blew hot and cold in the competition and scored 320 runs. He had an average of 40 and a strike rate of 82.90. Babar said he is determined to extend his support to the new skipper.
His numbers as captain
Babar became Pakistan's white-ball captain in 2019 and became the Test skipper in 2020. He has 26 wins in 43 ODIs while leading Pakistan. In T20Is, he guided Pakistan to 42 victories in 71 games. He led the team in 20 Tests, returning with 10 wins and six defeats. As a captain, he averaged 50.79, 60.76, and 37.84 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, respectively.
Who can become his successor?
Mohammad Rizwan is Pakistan's current vice-captain in Tests and he is all but likely to be appointed the skipper. Though all-rounder Shadab Khan currently holds the vice-captain's role in T20Is and ODIs, his appointment as skipper is not certain owing to his recent form. Rizwan hence can become Pakistan's new all-format skipper.
