Babar Azam resigns as captain of Pakistan cricket team

Star batsman cites intention to focus more on his playing role and personal growth as reasons

Babar Azam announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

In a post on X, Azam revealed that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management of his decision last month.

The star batsman cited a desire to focus more on his playing role and personal growth as the reasons for stepping down from the white-ball captaincy.

Dear Fans,

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.

It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus…

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024

The PCB had reappointed Azam as captain for T20Is and ODIs on March 31. Previously, he had ended his long tenure as skipper in November 2023, stepping down from the role.

This story is being updated.