Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan captain

DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/ AFP

Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan's cricket captain on Wednesday, days after a group stage exit from the World Cup.

Azam captained Pakistan in all three formats starting October 2019, and led them to number one in ICC One Day International (ODI) rankings for the first time in May.

Pakistan slid from the spot after finishing fourth in Asia Cup and fifth in the World Cup.

"It's a difficult decision but I feel it is a right time for this call," the 29 year-old wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"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."

His resignation comes two days after Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel stepped down.

Azam is ranked by ICC as a top five batsman in all three formats, and is Pakistan's most successful captain in T20 Internationals with 42 wins.

More from Sports

  • Arsenal go top as title race goes down to final day

    Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.

  • Pogacar retains overall Giro D'Italia lead

    UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.

  • McIlroy wins fourth Wells Fargo Championship title

    Rory McIIroy claimed his fourth Wells Fargo Championship after a superb back nine saw him finish -17 par having trailed by two shots after seven holes.

  • Djokovic suffers shock Italian Open defeat

    Alejandro Tabilo claimed the biggest win of his career beating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after the Serbian was hit on the head by a water bottle.

  • Norwich and Leeds goalless in Championship play-offs first leg

    Norwich City and Leeds United played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Championship play-offs semi-final tie as both teams seek a return to the Premier League.