Babar Azam has stood down as captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20 sides ahead of next month’s white-ball tour of Australia.
On Wednesday morning, the 29-year-old confirmed he had resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball skipper in September to focus on his batting.
Azam had previously stepped down as Pakistan’s captain across all three formats following last year’s World Cup in India, where his side failed to qualify for the knockouts. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board reappointed him to the ODI and T20 roles six months ago.
The right-hander’s latest resignation comes after Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super Eights of the recent T20 World Cup following an embarrassing loss to the United States of America in the group stage.
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“It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” Azam posted to Twitter.
“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload. I want to prioritise my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy.
“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.
“I’m grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player.
“Thank you for your love and support.”
Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20s against hosts Australia next month.
Elsewhere, Tim Southee has stood down as New Zealand captain in the wake of their heavy Test series defeat in Sri Lanka. He will be replaced by Tom Latham.
Less than two years after inheriting the role from Kane Williamson, veteran seam bowler Southee said it is “best for the team” that he focus on his contribution as a player and wished Latham well.
Opening batter Latham, who has led the Black Caps in nine Tests, will take charge full-time on the three-Test tour of India starting in Bangalore on October 16.
A New Zealand Cricket statement said Southee would be included in the 15-man tour squad to be named later this week.
Southee said it was an “absolute honour” to lead New Zealand in 14 Tests since December 2022, resulting in six wins, six losses and two draws.
However, New Zealand’s results have dipped over the last two years, including a 2-0 mauling from Sri Lanka in the two-Test series in Galle.
“I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team,” Southee said in a statement.
“I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches.”
Right-armer Southee sits second behind Richard Hadlee on New Zealand’s Test wicket-taking list, having claimed 382 scalps in 102 matches at an average of 29.9.
Coach Gary Stead acknowledged Southee’s contribution as skipper and hoped the right-armer would continue to be a force with the ball.
“It’s not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he’s made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart,” Stead said.
“He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward.”
New Zealand are currently without a designated captain in the white ball formats after Williamson stood down in June.
Williamson declined a central contract to pursue offshore Twenty20 league opportunities but, like Southee, he will continue to represent the Black Caps.
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