LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted the resignation of Babar Azam from his position as the national white-ball captain.
Babar announced his decision on Tuesday night through social media, citing heavy workload and his intention to focus more on batting.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Babar Azam tendered his resignation as Pakistan men’s white-ball captain on Tuesday evening, and it has been accepted,” the PCB stated in a press release.
They further revealed that the national selection committee has been assigned the task of making a strategy for white-ball cricket and recommending options for captaincy.
“The national selection committee has been tasked with beginning the process of formulating future white-ball cricket strategies, including recommending a new captain,” the statement further said.
The cricket board acknowledged Babar’s services to the national team and extended support for the star batter.
“Although the PCB had backed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, his decision to step down reflects his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player,” the PCB stated.
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“This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket. He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats.
“The PCB acknowledges Babar’s contributions as white-ball captain, his ability to prioritise the team’s needs and his unwavering dedication to Pakistan cricket. The PCB will continue to support Babar Azam, recognising he still has much to offer both as a world-class batter and a senior statesman of the team.”
Meanwhile, Babar also reiterated his aim to focus on his batting and play his role in the team’s success going forward.
“Playing for Pakistan has always been my greatest honour and I’ve always placed the team’s success above everything else,” said Babar Azam.
“Stepping down as captain will help me deliver even more for the team as a player and I’m fully committed to that path. The team’s success is what matters most.
“I’ve had the privilege of leading Pakistan for five remarkable years, always trying to give my best as both captain and player.
“At this stage, I strongly believe I can make a bigger impact by concentrating on my batting. I am grateful for the constant support from my teammates, coaches and the PCB throughout my captaincy.
“While it has been a great honour to lead Pakistan, now is the right time to shift my complete focus on batting, the team’s objectives during this transitional phase and back the new captain and emerging players as we prepare for a crucial season ahead, including the defence of the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil next year.”
READ: Reason behind Babar Azam’s decision to quit white-ball captaincy revealed