PCB: In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, after being out of the league stage due to team Pakistan not playing the coin, there is big news in the sensational atmosphere in the Pakistan cricket team that Babar Azam, a successful captain, has taken a big decision in front of his fans that they will continue to play the game. has relinquished the captaincy in every format.
The Pakistan Cricket Board later announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi will take over as the T20I captain and Shan Masood will be the Pakistan Test captain. The decision on ODI captaincy will be taken at the appropriate time.
The Pakistan Board of Control (PCB) also confirmed that there will be a major change in the coaching staff for the tours of Australia and New Zealand in the coming months which will help the team further work on its shortcomings.
“The PCB has changed the portfolio of the entire coaching staff including Director Cricket Mickey Arthur,” a statement read. “All coaches will continue to work in National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching staff in due course for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand.”
Captain Babar Azam has been Pakistan’s captain in all formats of the game since 2020, taking up the ODI and Test roles a year after taking charge of the T20 team.
But Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, a white-ball one-day format tournament being held in India, forced the 29-year-old to step down with immediate effect.
“I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019,” Babar said in a statement released on his social media channels.
“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.
“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.”
Pakistan lost five matches during the 2023 tournament and missed out on the semi-final qualification places. And Babar was largely out of form with the bat, scoring 320 runs in his nine innings and his highest score being just 74.
The world’s former top-ranked ODI batsman, who averages 56.72 across formats with 19 centuries to his name, says he will be available to play for Pakistan in all formats going forward and will extend his support to whoever takes over his position. Will give. Captain.
“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.”
The PCB says that Babar “was asked to continue as Test captain” after being relieved of his duties in the white-ball formats, but opted to step down across all formats.
“Babar Azam is truly a world-class player and we want him to continue to thrive as a player,” Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, said. “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.
“We want to see him grow as a great batter and now without his additional burden of the captaincy, he can focus more on his performances to reach even greater heights. We respect his decision and will continue to back him.”
Babar Azam Career statistics
| Competition | Test | ODI | T20I | FC |
| Matches | 49 | 116 | 104 | 85 |
| Runs scored | 3,772 | 5,691 | 3,485 | 5,784 |
| Batting average | 47.74 | 56.91 | 41.48 | 45.18 |
| 100s/50s | Sep-26 | 19/32 | Mar-30 | Dec-38 |
| Top score | 196 | 158 | 122 | 266 |
| Balls bowled | 90 | – | – | 810 |
| Wickets | 2 | – | – | 7 |
| Bowling average | 21 | – | – | 66.42 |
| 5 wickets in innings | 0 | – | – | 0 |
| 10 wickets in the match | 0 | – | – | 0 |
| Best bowling | 01-Jan | – | – | 01-Jan |
| Catches/stumpings | 36/– | 47/– | 42/– | 58/– |
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