Babar Azam resigns as Pakistan captain

Babar Azam has stepped down as Pakistan's captain from all formats following the team's poor World Cup 2023 campaign.

Pakistan finished fifth on the points table after the league stage under Babar, and at one point were sliding even further down the barrel having lost four matches in a row.

Somehow, Pakistan got themselves back among the wins but it wasn't enough to get through to the semifinal. In the aftermath of Pakistan's elimination, clamours for Babar's removal as captain were loud with the star batter making the decision through a post on social media.

“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It's a difficult decision but I feel it is the right time for this call. 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,” Babar said in a statement.

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.