Babar Azam, who resigned as all-format Pakistan captain on Wednesday (November 15), was asked to continue leading the Test side, which the batter refused, a PCB statement confirmed.
Babar announced his resignation as captain after Pakistan endured a disappointing World Cup season, winning four out of nine matches but failing to advance to the semi-finals. After failing to make the top two teams in the Asian Cup finals, a rift arose within the camp, and the rift intensified during the World Cup.
The 29-year-old, who was first appointed as Pakistan’s leader in 2019, resigned from his post today. A social media post confirmed the news. “Today, I step down as Pakistan’s captain in all formats. Although it is a difficult decision, I believe it is the right time to make this decision,” his note read.
The PCB then approved the team’s new Test and T20I captains, with Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi taking over the two formats respectively. They are yet to name an ODI captain as Pakistan’s next 50-over match is almost a year away.
Masood, who played 30 Tests and scored an average of 28.52, was chosen as the captain by surprise, but as Babar accepted the offer to continue as captain under the Format Act and rejected it, the PCB He admitted that he had to make a decision.
“Babar has been relieved of his captaincy in white-ball cricket and asked to continue as Test captain so that he can concentrate on one format.” After consulting with his family, Babar has decided to resign and the PCB supports his decision. . “The PCB respects his decision and continues to support him as a player,” the organization said in a press release.
Babar captained the Pakistan national team and played 20 Test matches, averaging 50.79 with 4/100 and 1150. He played his ten wins, six losses and four draws.
Under his leadership, Pakistan failed to win a home series against Australia and England in the past 18 months, and failed to draw against New Zealand. Pakistan’s only Test series victory under Babar came against South Africa in 2021. His last appearance was in July this year when he led Pakistan to a 2-0 win against Sri Lanka.
