Babar Azam has announced he has stepped down from Pakistan’s white ball captaincy only six months after being reappointed ODI and Twenty20 skipper by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“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,” Babar said on X.

“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload. I want to prioritise my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy.”

Babar stepped down as all-formats captain — including Tests — after Pakistan failed to make the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in India last year. Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan briefly in the T20 format but was removed from the captaincy after Pakistan lost 4-1 to New Zealand.

Pakistan hasn’t played an ODI since the World Cup.

Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, reappointed Babar as white-ball captain in March, but he could only win a bilateral series against Ireland 2-1.

Pakistan drew the home T20 series against New Zealand 2-2 before losing 2-0 to England just before the Twenty20 World Cup, where Pakistan failed to reach the Super Eight stage after losing to co-host United States and arch rival India in the group stage.

Babar led Pakistan in 43 ODIs, winning 26 and losing 15. He also captained Pakistan in 85 T20s with a win-loss record of 48-29.

Babar said it was an “honour to lead” Pakistan, but he believed it was time for him to step down and focus on his playing role. “By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.”

Source: Australian Associated Press
--Agencies