In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam announced his resignation as captain of the national limited-overs team. Following a challenging 2023 ODI World Cup and a short-lived return as captain in March 2024, Babar chose to step down and focus on his individual performance. His decision sparked reactions from across the cricketing world, with one notable response coming from former South African cricket legend AB de Villiers.
Babar’s Decision to Step Down
Babar Azam is one of Pakistan’s most prolific and celebrated cricketers, known for his elegant batting style and consistency across all formats.
Having served as Pakistan’s captain in both limited-overs and Test cricket, Babar has led the team through significant highs and challenges.
A technically sound batter, he is admired for his calm demeanour on the field and his ability to anchor the innings.
Babar Azam’s resignation comes after a turbulent period for Pakistan cricket.
Despite a brief return to captaincy earlier this year, the team’s performance, including a disappointing group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup and a historic Test defeat to Bangladesh, contributed to growing pressure on the skipper.Â
In his official statement on social media, Babar expressed his desire to prioritise his personal game, citing the added workload and a wish to enjoy his batting.
Babar Azam Steps Down as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain, PCB Set to Appoint New Leadership
AB de Villiers’ Encouragement
AB de Villiers, known for his remarkable achievements and sportsmanship, was quick to offer his support to Babar Azam.
In his tweet, de Villiers highlighted Babar’s significant contribution to Pakistan cricket and reassured him that more runs await as he shifts his focus solely to his batting.
De Villiers’ message not only lauded Babar’s leadership but also emphasised the importance of maintaining high personal performance.
De Villiers, a revered figure in international cricket, commended Babar for his leadership and encouraged him to concentrate on delivering runs for Pakistan in the future. “Congrats. You’ve been great. Now for plenty more runs for your team,” de Villiers tweeted, reflecting his admiration for Babar’s decision.
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