Babar Azam announced he was stepping down as cricket captain.

Baber Azam’s announcement on a social media platform (formerly Twitter), shortly after he met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Interim Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf in Lahore.

Babar Azam said

“I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019,” Babar stated in his statement. I have gone through many highs and lows in the last four years, both on and off the pitch. My one and only goal has been to keep Pakistan’s prestige and respect in the cricket world intact.

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” led him to claim the top rank in white-ball cricket, Baber Azam added.

Baber Azam leaving

“Baber Azam leaving over the position as Pakistan’s captain in all forms today. Though it’s a tough choice, I think this call should be made at this particular moment. I’ll be playing in all three forms for Pakistan going forward. With my expertise and commitment, I’m here to help the squad and the new captain,” he declared.

“I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving me this important responsibility,” Babar said in closing. Prior to leading the Test and ODI teams in 2020, Babar was appointed captain of the T20 team in 2019. Babar did not provide a precise explanation for his decision to resign, although it was likely prompted by the team’s terrible World Cup performance.

In front of almost 100,000 spectators in Ahmedabad, the Green Shirts lost five of their nine games, including a seven-wicket thrashing at the hands of India. Afghanistan also caused Pakistan’s first-ever defeat.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) declared

The International Cricket Council (ICC) declared, “End of an era for Pakistan,” in response to Babar’s choice. Babar had also seen the PCB chairman in Lahore earlier today. Television footage had shown journalists and supporters hounding Babar Azam’s car as he drove away from the PCB offices at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Ashraf had also met with head coach Grant Bradburn. Club director Mickey Arthur, and other members of the interim management committee, according to the news correspondent.

Ashraf was seen by former captain Younis Khan, as well as former pacers Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir, on Tuesday. The PCB initiated an inquiry into Pakistan’s World Cup performance and its preparations for the forthcoming Test series against Australia. Dawn found out that the three had told Ashraf not to make any major alterations before the Australian tour.

The former players had also told the PCB head to concentrate on red-ball cricket. Since ODI cricket was not expected to be a priority for the upcoming years. It was also rumored that Younis would be given a coaching role to develop future talent in Karachi.

Recall that earlier this week, when Pakistan’s squad failed to advance to the World Cup semifinals, bowling coach Morne Morkel became the first member of the country’s backroom staff to resign.