<p>Karachi: Babar Azam on Wednesday quit as Pakistan captain across formats, four days after his team's elimination from the World Cup, where the former champions finished fifth.</p><p>Pakistan lost five of their nine games, including a shock defeat against Afghanistan, bringing Babar's leadership under scanner.</p><p>Experts and critics had called for a change of guard and Babar was summoned for a post-mortem of team's performance by PCB's management committee head Zaka Ashraf.</p><p>Babar announced his decision on social media.</p><p>"Today, I am stepping down as captain of Pakistan from all formats. It's a difficult decision but I feel this is right time for this call," Babar wrote in his statement, posted on X.</p>.<p>Babar faced scathing criticism for his team selection and many accused him of creating a coterie with players of his liking, including Imam ul Haq, Mohammed Nawaz, Shadab Khan to name a few.</p><p>Babar made it clear that he will support the new skipper in every way possible.</p><p>"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," he added.</p><p>Ashraf, on his part, also copped a lot of flak when he issued a statement in the middle of the tournament that the squad selected for World Cup was done at the behest of erstwhile chairman Inzamam ul Haq and skipper Babar.</p><p>He had mentioned that a decision would be taken at the end of the tournament and it was clear that Babar didn't have PCB's back.</p><p>During his tenure, Pakistan became No. 1 ranked team in ODIs on the back of some solid performances at home on placid pitches against second string teams from SENA countries and relatively weaker Asian teams.</p><p>"Reaching the No. 1 spot in white ball formats was a result of collective effort of players, coaches and management," he stated.</p><p>He was made the captain in 2019 and he admitted that he has experienced both highs and lows after he first got a call from PCB informing of their decision of appointing him the leader of the national team.</p><p>"Over the past four years, I have experienced many highs and lows on and off the field but I have wholeheartedly and passionately tried to maintain Pakistan's pride and respect in cricket world," he said.</p>
<p>Karachi: Babar Azam on Wednesday quit as Pakistan captain across formats, four days after his team's elimination from the World Cup, where the former champions finished fifth.</p><p>Pakistan lost five of their nine games, including a shock defeat against Afghanistan, bringing Babar's leadership under scanner.</p><p>Experts and critics had called for a change of guard and Babar was summoned for a post-mortem of team's performance by PCB's management committee head Zaka Ashraf.</p><p>Babar announced his decision on social media.</p><p>"Today, I am stepping down as captain of Pakistan from all formats. It's a difficult decision but I feel this is right time for this call," Babar wrote in his statement, posted on X.</p>.<p>Babar faced scathing criticism for his team selection and many accused him of creating a coterie with players of his liking, including Imam ul Haq, Mohammed Nawaz, Shadab Khan to name a few.</p><p>Babar made it clear that he will support the new skipper in every way possible.</p><p>"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," he added.</p><p>Ashraf, on his part, also copped a lot of flak when he issued a statement in the middle of the tournament that the squad selected for World Cup was done at the behest of erstwhile chairman Inzamam ul Haq and skipper Babar.</p><p>He had mentioned that a decision would be taken at the end of the tournament and it was clear that Babar didn't have PCB's back.</p><p>During his tenure, Pakistan became No. 1 ranked team in ODIs on the back of some solid performances at home on placid pitches against second string teams from SENA countries and relatively weaker Asian teams.</p><p>"Reaching the No. 1 spot in white ball formats was a result of collective effort of players, coaches and management," he stated.</p><p>He was made the captain in 2019 and he admitted that he has experienced both highs and lows after he first got a call from PCB informing of their decision of appointing him the leader of the national team.</p><p>"Over the past four years, I have experienced many highs and lows on and off the field but I have wholeheartedly and passionately tried to maintain Pakistan's pride and respect in cricket world," he said.</p>