AB de Villiers backs Babar Azam after resignation

With Babar stepping down, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the leading candidate for the captaincy.

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has shown his support for Babar Azam after the Pakistani star resigned as the white-ball captain.

The 29-year-old made the announcement through a statement on social media, explaining his decision to focus on his batting role for the team.

"It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” Babar said. His decision has taken the cricket world by surprise.

De Villiers reacted by congratulating Babar, saying, “Congrats. You’ve been great. Now for plenty more runs for your team,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

With Babar stepping down, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the leading candidate for the ODI captaincy, while Mohammad Haris is under consideration for the T20I leadership. Babar remains a crucial part of Pakistan’s Test side and will next face England in a three-match series starting on October 7th.

Pakistan squad for first Test against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mehmood.

Pakistan, England Test series schedule:

• 7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan
• 15-19 Oct – Second Test, Multan
• 24-28 Oct – Third Test, Rawalpindi