Pakistan faced a disappointing exit from the group stages of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The team, led by star batter and captain Babar Azam, managed to secure only four victories out of the nine matches played. This lackluster performance not only drew harsh criticism from the fans but also caught the attention of former Pakistan players.
Babar Azam, the linchpin of Pakistan’s batting lineup, had a subpar tournament with the bat, failing to meet the high expectations set by his stellar track record. The disappointment extended beyond his individual performance; questions were raised about his leadership skills as Pakistan secured no team honours under his captaincy. The fans and former players were quick to voice their concerns, placing Babar Azam at the epicenter of the team’s struggles.
Under the weight of mounting pressure and relentless criticism, Babar Azam made a strategic decision to resign from his captaincy in all formats. This move, although surprising to many, was seen as an acknowledgment of accountability and a commitment to pave the way for a fresh start for the team.
In the wake of Babar Azam’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly appointed Shan Masood as the test captain and Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20 captain. This strategic reshuffling aimed to infuse new energy and perspective into the team’s leadership, marking a significant chapter in Pakistan cricket. Pakistan is currently in Australia to play a 3 game test series which starts on December 14 in Perth.
Wasim Akram Reveals The Advice That He Gave To Babar Azam
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram, who had previously worked with Babar Azam at the Karachi Kings, shed light on the decision. Akram recalled a conversation where he had advised Azam against taking on captaincy responsibilities in league cricket.
“I had given an idea to Babar Azam a couple of years ago that don’t do captaincy in league cricket. [You’re a] Big player, take your money, play your game, get runs, go home, and then to the next event. Pakistan’s captaincy is alright, but the league brings extra stress without any reason,” Akram explained.
This statement from Akram shows the unique challenges and unnecessary stress associated with captaincy in league cricket. The emphasis on preserving a player’s mental and physical well-being resonates with the evolving dynamics of modern cricket.
With the burden of captaincy lifted, Babar Azam will now solely focus on his role as a batter for Pakistan in all formats. This strategic decision aims to allow Azam to channel his energy into delivering stellar performances with the bat, unencumbered by the additional responsibilities of leading the team. Despite stepping down from international captaincy, Babar Azam will continue to lead his Pakistan Super League (PSL) side, Peshawar Zalmi.
