Babar Azam has decided to step down as captain of Pakistan in all formats following their disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. He scored 320 runs in nine matches during the World Cup, with an average of 40 and strike rate of 82.90, the third highest for Pakistan. The favorite to take over the Test captaincy is Shan Masood. It has been reported that there is little consensus on a potential replacement. This comes after much speculation about Babar’s future following Pakistan’s exit from an indifferent World Cup.
Speculation around Babar’s future had been mounting since Pakistan’s exit from an indifferent World Cup was confirmed, though there is understood to have been little consensus on a potential replacement. There is no official statement made about a potential replacement, but Shan Masood is the overwhelming favourite to take over the Test captaincy with immediate effect.
Babar announced his decision in a statement, acknowledging the challenges and experiences he has faced as Pakistan’s captain since 2019. Despite stepping down as captain, he has vowed to continue playing for the national team in all three formats, extending his support to the new captain and the rest of the team with his experience and dedication. Babar expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for entrusting him with the significant responsibility of captaining the team.
No official statement has been made about a potential replacement, but Shan Masood is the overwhelming favourite to take over the Test captaincy with immediate effect. Masood is understood to have been at the Gaddafi Stadium today. After a lengthy meeting at the PCB headquarters where deliberations on the fate of the Pakistan captain, as well as the coaching staff, took place, Babar resigned. He did not offer a specific reason beyond saying he felt it was the right time.
There has been much uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff’s future as well. ESPNcricinfo understands that Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn will not be sacked but will see their roles significantly reduced and are unlikely to be part of the traveling contingent for Pakistan’s next tour, a three-match Test series in Australia starting next month.
Pakistan will depart for Australia on November 30, and play a warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval from December 6 to 9. The first Test begins in Perth on December 14, followed by a series of T20Is in New Zealand.
As for the T20 captain, Shaheen Afridi is the favorite. While the future of Pakistan cricket remains uncertain, it is clear that significant changes are imminent.
ESPNcricinfo staff
