Babar Azam Set To Resign From Captaincy After World Cup: Report

Disappointed by the behavior of Pakistan Cricket Board’s behavior, Babar Azam is reportedly set to step down as the captain of the Pakistan team after the conclusion of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Pakistan’s campaign in the competition has been marred by a number of controversies. As the Men in Green were struggling in the competition, reports emerged that not all was well within the dressing room. The PCB had to issue a statement to deny the rumors. It was followed by a bombshell statement from former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif.

Latif claimed that the PCB’s top officials including chairman Zaka Ashraf were not responding to messages and calls from Babar Azam. Several reports from Pakistani media also stated that Ashraf was not happy with Babar Azam’s captaincy and is likely to name a new captain once the World Cup concludes. Pakistan are currently at the fifth spot in the points table and looks set to miss out on the semifinals.

Babar Azam set to leave captaincy:

According to a report in Pakistani news outlet The News, Babar Azam is likely to tender his resignation as the captain of white-ball cricket after landing in Pakistan once the World Cup campaign ends. He is reportedly seeking guidance on his future, consulting with former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and people close to him. Babar Azam talked to Raza at the Eden Gardens on Friday (November 10) to seek his advice.

Raza is currently plying his trade as a commentator in the World Cup. While Babar Azam has not taken a final call yet, the report stated that his decision is likely to be influenced by the advice he receives, particularly from his father. A source also told the news outlet that the Pakistan star’s close aides are advising him to step down from leadership in all three formats.

The close aids want the star batter to give up Test captaincy as well ahead of the challenging tour of Australia where Pakistan have endured a tough time in recent years. Babar Azam wanted to take a final call on his captaincy while being in India but has now postponed it.