ICC World Cup 2023: After a below-average performance in the ICC World Cup, Pakistan's Babar Azam has decided to step down as the captain of the team from all formats of the game. In a long post on social media platform X, Babar Azam said that it is a difficult decision but he feels that this is the right time for the call. After Babar Azam's premature exit, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new T20 skipper while Shan Masood will lead the Pakistan cricket team in the test format of the game.
The decision comes as Pakistan couldn't perform up to its potential in ICC World Cup 2023 and the on-ground decisions of skipper Babar Azam were questioned multiple times. At the individual level, Babar Azam was not that great with his bat and scored 320 runs in 9 matches of the tournament.
“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 respect in the cricket world. Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I'd like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey,” the former Pakistan skipper said in a long post on X.
While announcing his decision to step down as the skipper of the Pakistan cricket team, Babar Azam said he was present to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication. The batter then thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for the responsibility.
“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 cali I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication. I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD,” Babar Azam added.
After Babar Azam's exit, PCB was quick to appoint pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new T20 skipper of the cricket team while the Test side will be led by Shan Masood. “Presenting our captains @shani_official has been appointed Test captain while @iShaheenAfridi will lead the T20I side,” Pakistan Cricket Board said in a post on X.
“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," chairman of PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf said in a release.
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