Following Pakistan's disappointing World Cup 2023 campaign, Babar Azam has immediately stepped down from his captaincy across all three formats. He announced this decision through a social media platform X.
In his statement, Babar expressed the difficulty of his decision but emphasized that he believes it's the right time for this move. He intends to continue representing Pakistan as a player in all three formats and pledges to support the new captain and the team with his experience and commitment.
"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. 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," he wrote.
Earlier on Wednesday (November 15), Babar met the PCB chief in Lahore. Videos resurfaced online that captured Babar's car being swarmed by fans and journalists as he departed from the PCB headquarters at the Gaddafi Stadium after his meeting with Zaka Ashraf.
Although Babar didn't specify the reason for his resignation, it closely follows Pakistan's dismal World Cup performance, including defeats against India in Ahmedabad and Afghanistan. Babar had a meeting with the PCB chief in Lahore, where videos showed his car being surrounded by fans and journalists as he departed from the Gaddafi Stadium's PCB headquarters.
According to a Dawn report, Ashraf met with team director Mickey Arthur, head coach Grant Bradburn, and members of the interim management committee. Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan, along with former pacers Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir, also met Ashraf earlier, as the PCB initiated an investigation into Pakistan's World Cup performance and strategized for the upcoming Test series against Australia.
Reports also suggest that the trio advised Ashraf against making wholesale changes before the Australia tour and emphasised shifting focus to red-ball cricket. There are discussions of Younis potentially undertaking a coaching role to mentor young players. What is also worth noting is that earlier in the week, bowling coach Morne Morkel became the first to resign from Pakistan's coaching staff after the team's World Cup disappointment.