Babar Azam resigns as Pakistan captain from all formats following World Cup flop.. with Shaheen Shah Afridi to take over as T20 skipper and Shan Masood to lead Test team

• Pakistan lost five of nine matches and failed to make semi-finals at World Cup
• Babar Azam felt the time was right for a change after four years as captain
• Shaheen Shah Afridi to captain T20 side and Shan Masood to be Test captain

Babar Azam has announced his resignation as Pakistan’s captain from all formats following a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Pakistan failed to reached the semi-final stage in India, losing five of their nine matches.

Babar, appointed captain in 2019, felt the time was right for a change of leadership within the squad, but he will continue to be available for selection.

‘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,’ Babar wrote on social media.

‘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.

Babar Azam felt the time was right for a change after four years as Pakistan captain

Shaheen Shah Afridi (above) will captain the T20 side and Shan Masood will skipper Test team

‘I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.’

Babar added: ‘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 one 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.’

Following his departure, Pakistan announced Shaheen Shah Afridi as their new T20I captain and Shan Masood as their Test captain. 

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