Pakistan cricket star Babar Azam announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as captain of the national white-ball teams, saying it’s time to focus on his performance and personal growth. The 29-year-old batter shared the news via his official X and Instagram account, expressing that relinquishing the leadership role will allow him to concentrate more on his game.
“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth,” Babar stated.
Babar, who was reappointed as captain of the T20I and ODI teams by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on March 31, had earlier ended his tenure as skipper in November 2023. Reflecting on his experience, Babar acknowledged the challenges of captaincy, which added to his workload, and said it was a rewarding journey.
“I’m sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month,” Babar said in his statement.
He emphasized his desire to focus on his batting, spend more time with his family, and enjoy the game without the added pressure of leadership. Babar also expressed his gratitude to his supporters and looks forward to continuing his contributions to the national side as a player.
This marks the second time Babar Azam has stepped down from the captaincy of Pakistan’s national cricket team, underscoring his commitment to finding balance between personal and professional responsibilities.
