Pakistan was unable to advance to the 50-over World Cup semi-finals for the third straight year.
Digital Desk: Pakistan captain Babar Azam quit captaincy of all international cricket forms following the horrific events in the current ODI World Cup 2023. The Pakistan cricket team could not even make it to the knockout stages, hence they were unable to perform in the main tournament.
In a tweet, Pakistan's skipper Babar announced his resignation from the captaincy, saying he would use his knowledge and commitment to help the squad and the next captain.
Here is the tweet:
“I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019. Over the past four years, I’ve experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world.
Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey.
Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in al formats irs dificult decision I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication.
I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD,” Babar note on ‘X’ read.
Prior to this, Babar expressed his dismay at their crushing 93-run loss to England in their final World Cup match on Saturday, but he also suggested that he would want to take charge of the squad while it is rebuilding in white-ball cricket.
"Together, we shall take stock over a meal. We will analyse errors and draw lessons from this. I'm excited to lead the rebuild," at the post-match presentation ceremony, Babar declared.
For the third straight year, Pakistan was unable to advance to the 50-over World Cup semi-finals.
"Yes, I'm really dissatisfied with the performance. It may have been a different scenario if we had won in the South Africa match. But certainly, we made errors in our batting, bowling, and fielding," Babar said, summarising the five-game losing streak his club suffered this season.
Babar admitted that it became critical for his spinners, Mohammed Nawaz and Shadab Khan, to go without a wicket in the middle overs.
"We gave away a few too many runs. In the last stages, we bowled a couple of wayward deliveries. Not only that, but our spinners aren't claiming wickets. The fact that you have to take wickets in the middle overs makes a major difference."
Former players, who have called for a change in leadership, have been quite critical of Pakistan after the country placed fifth in the 10-team standings.
"Babar has already discussed this with his teammates, and most of them have persuaded him not to resign from his position. After the World Cup in India ended without him making it to the semi-finals, he would return home with a clear plan of action. But he won't resign from office on his own," a PCB source told PTI.
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