Resigning as Pakistan cricket captain across all formats, according to Babar Azam
Resigning as Pakistan cricket captain across all formats, according to Babar Azam, Pakistani cricket captain Babar Azam has stepped down from the captaincy in all formats of the game. Azam made the announcement on Wednesday, November 11, 2023, in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He said:
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023
“I have decided to step down as captain of the Pakistan cricket team in all formats. This decision was not taken lightly, but I believe that it is the right thing for the team at this time.
“I have always given my best for the team and I will continue to do so as a player. I want to thank the PCB for giving me the opportunity to lead the team and I wish them all the best in the future.”
Azam’s resignation comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the recent ODI World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the semi-finals. He has been captain of the team since 2019.
The PCB has said that it will announce a new captain in due course.
The PCB announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi will command the Twenty20 team and Shan Masood has been named Test captain.
Presenting our captains 🇵🇰@shani_official has been appointed Test captain while @iShaheenAfridi will lead the T20I side. pic.twitter.com/wPSebUB60m
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 15, 2023
Another press statement from the PCB stated that Mohammad Hafeez, a former Test captain, has also been named the team director.
Former 🇵🇰 captain Mohammad Hafeez has been given the responsibility of Director – Pakistan Men's Cricket Team.
The PCB has changed the portfolio of the Pakistan coaching staff. All coaches will continue to work in National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching… pic.twitter.com/zwwnsj5lzs
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 15, 2023
Babar’s meeting with Ashraf
On Wednesday, November 11, 2023, Pakistani cricket captain Babar Azam met with PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja to discuss his future with the team. The meeting came after Azam’s decision to step down as captain in all formats of the game.
According to sources, the meeting was cordial and productive. The two discussed the reasons for Azam’s decision and the best way forward for the team. It is understood that Raja was supportive of Azam’s decision and thanked him for his contributions to the team.
The PCB has said that it will announce a new captain in due course.
According to my knowledge, there is no public record of a meeting between Babar Azam and Ashraf. It is possible that such a meeting took place privately, but there is no evidence to confirm this.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Babar Azam meets Chairman PCB Management Committee
Details here⤵️https://t.co/tqyYCbjrEM
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) November 15, 2023
‘End of an era’
The new T20 captain, Shaheen, responded to Babar’s choice by saying, “It’s been an honour to witness true teamwork and camaraderie under your exemplary leadership.” It is admirable how proactive you have been in leading the team and how dedicated you are to their success as a whole.
– @babarazam258: under your exemplary leadership, it's been a privilege to witness true teamwork and camaraderie. Your forefront leadership and commitment to team unity and collective success are commendable.
Looking forward to seeing you break more batting records, In sha… pic.twitter.com/J8mTqfjtD5
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) November 15, 2023
The batsman was dubbed “definitely one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever seen” by Muhammad Rizwan.
As the captain, you are an inspiration to us all because of your honesty, love, integrity, and thoughts for Pakistan. I hope you never stop shining for Pakistan,” he remarked.
Kaptaaana, aap Dilo k Kaptaan ho. You are definitely one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever seen.
Your honesty, love, integrity, thoughts, and efforts for Pakistan as the captain are the things to look up to. May you continue to shine for Pakistan, Ameen. @babarazam258 🇵🇰 https://t.co/FuZOdyBR6U
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) November 15, 2023
Shadab Khan wishes you success as you embark on a new chapter in your career. “I have no doubt that you will keep shining bright,” he remarked, extending his congratulations to the new Test and Twenty20 captains.
Best of luck @babarazam258 for a new chapter in ur career. I am sure u will continue to shine bright. Congratulations to @shani_official and @iShaheenAfridi on becoming captains. May you take Pakistan to the top. #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/6Q4EpqFaaA
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) November 15, 2023
Iftikhar Ahmad stated, “It has been an honor to have represented Pakistan under your captaincy.”
“During that time, I had many highs and many lows, but your tenacity and resolve always won out. Anticipating a great performance from you for Pakistan, especially from the best non-striking position,” he remarked.
It’s been an honour to have represented Pakistan under your captaincy. I’ve been part of many highs and many lows during that period, but your resilience and determination always came on top. Looking forward to seeing you score heavily for Pakistan and that too from the best seat… https://t.co/Z06Rc9dfOX
— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) November 15, 2023
“I appreciate your deserving leadership as the captain of Pakistan. Your leadership, elegance, talent, and performances inspired the entire cricketing community. Shahid Afridi wished for you to keep shining and ruling since the trip is far from over.
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Thank you @babarazam258 for your meritorious services as Pakistan captain. You inspired the whole next generation of cricketers with your leadership, grace, talent and performances. Hope you will continue to shine and rule as the journey is far from over! https://t.co/PNzG1KXbNC
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 15, 2023
“Babar, you did an incredible job. Reaching the top with the Pakistani team is a tremendously proud accomplishment, Wahab Riaz stated.
“As a player, you still have a lot more to accomplish for Pakistan and a long way to go. Warm regards!” he exclaimed.
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023
Really appreciate Ur services @babarazam258 as a captain of Pakistan Cricket. Surely ur hunger to get more runs contributing for winning matches for team will grow more with time. Stay healthy and blessed. https://t.co/FKY8SiZduo
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 15, 2023
Former cricketer Saeed Ajmal expressed gratitude to Babar for leading Pakistan’s ODI side to the top place and for his efforts as captain.
“I hope you score even more runs for Pakistan than you did in the past. Remain fit and happy. You must give it your all for the squad,” he stated.
Thank You so Much for all your services for Pakistan as a Captain✨ And for taking Pakistan’s ODI team to the No.1 spot👏🏼 I hope that You continue to score Runs for Pakistan even better than before. Keep smiling and Stay Fit. The Team needs you at your Best.@babarazam258… https://t.co/Lgi6TDrZIq
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) November 15, 2023
“End of an era for Pakistan,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) said.
🚨 End of an era for Pakistan 🚨
Babar Azam’s captaincy tenure is no more 📝⬇️https://t.co/SiAt6UACQv
— ICC (@ICC) November 15, 2023
