Pakistan’s cricket star Babar Azam has resigned as captain, a move that was not prompted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to sources.
Insiders have clarified that Babar’s decision to step down was independent and not due to any pressure from the PCB. Reports indicate that Gary Kirsten, the national white-ball coach, has played a significant role in the discussions around captaincy. Kirsten, who visited Pakistan in July to prepare for the World Cup and held meetings with Babar, engaged in ongoing conversations about Babar’s captaincy.
While Kirsten supported Babar in continuing as the leader for One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he expressed interest in appointing a new captain for the T20 team, a plan he discussed during his visit. Despite Kirsten’s attempts to convince Babar to retain his role as ODI captain, Babar ultimately decided to resign.
Sources close to the situation suggest that his decision was influenced by a growing disconnect within the team and a perceived lack of influence in key discussions. Following Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, Babar reportedly felt sidelined from crucial decision-making and consultations with the board.
Before publicly announcing his resignation, Babar informed a senior PCB official of his decision. This move opens the door for leadership changes within the team, with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan emerging as a strong candidate for the captaincy. Sources indicate that Rizwan will also be involved in team selection going forward.
Kirsten’s strategy includes appointing a new T20 captain as part of a larger plan to prepare the team for future challenges. An official announcement regarding the new captain is anticipated soon as the PCB prepares for upcoming series and tournaments.
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