15 November 2023:

Pakistani batter Babar Azam has announced that he has stepped down from the position of Pakistan’s captain in all three formats.

Since assuming the captaincy in 2019, Babar Azam has led Pakistan in 134 games across formats, with a notable 78 victories under his leadership.

The news came shortly after he had met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Interim Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf in Lahore.

In the statement Babar Azam said “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.”.

In addition Babar assured his availability to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats stating “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.”, he added ending the statement.

While Babar Azam did not specify the reason for his decision to step down, it coincided with the Pakistani team’s return following a disappointing World Cup campaign in India.

Following the announcement, the PCB revealed the national team’s new captains: Shaheen Shah Afridi for T20Is and Shan Masood for red-ball cricket. Shan Masood will be leading the team in the upcoming tour to Australia in December.