Babar Azam has resigned from the Pakistan captaincy for limited overs cricket

Babar Azam tendered his second resignation as Pakistan captain with Mohammad Rizwan replacing him in the limited-overs formats later this month.

Babar released a statement on Wednesday midnight X, announcing that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board and team management of his desire to quit sometime last month.

While Babur did not say when he informed the board and team management of his decision to quit, the 29-year-old said he wanted to reduce the workload as captain and focus on his batting.

“I have some news to share with you today. “I have decided to resign as the captain of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team with effect from my notification to the PCB and team management last month,” Babar wrote.

“It’s been an honor to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my role,” he added.

Babar quit the Pakistan captaincy after their dismal performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, but was reinstated as captain in the white-ball formats in March this year.

However, his second stint saw no change for the team and Babar as leader as Pakistan fared badly in the T20 World Cup in America in June, losing to the US and India and failing to reach the Super Eight stage.

Babar said the captaincy was a “rewarding experience” but also added a “considerable workload”.

“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it has added a significant workload. I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting and spend quality time with my family, which makes me happy,” he said.

“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.”

“I am grateful for your unwavering support and faith in me. Your enthusiasm means the World to me. I am proud of what we have achieved together and excited to continue to contribute to the team as a player,” he added.

Babar was appointed T20 captain for the first time in 2019 before taking charge of the Test and ODI teams in 2020.

Babar’s resignation has added to Pakistan’s woes as it is set to embark on three overseas assignments after hosting England for a Test series starting on October 7.

Pakistan will tour Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is in November, followed by a tour of Zimbabwe for most of the matches in the month.

Pakistan travel to South Africa for three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests in December, after which the team returns home for series against the West Indies and New Zealand. Pakistan will also host the Champions Trophy early next year.