Pakistan cricketers react after Babar Azam steps down as captain

Babar Azam has stepped down from captaincy in all formats following a meeting with Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee.

During the meeting, Babar was informed that the board intended to retain him as the captain for red-ball cricket but would replace him in white-ball cricket.

Preferring not to be confined to leadership in a specific format, Babar expressed his desire to resign from captaincy in all formats and promptly left the meeting.

An hour after leaving the National Cricket Academy, Babar formally announced his resignation through a statement posted on his social media platforms.

pic.twitter.com/8hZqS9JH0M

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 15, 2023

The cricket fraternity wasted no time in sharing their thoughts on social media platforms, expressing both support for Babar's decision and anticipation for the team's future under new leadership.

Kaptaaana, aap Dilo k Kaptaan ho. You are definitely one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever seen.

Your honesty, love, integrity, thoughts, and efforts for Pakistan as the captain are the things to look up to. May you continue to shine for Pakistan, Ameen. @babarazam258 🇵🇰 https://t.co/FuZOdyBR6U

— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) November 15, 2023

Thank You so Much for all your services for Pakistan as a Captain✨ And for taking Pakistan’s ODI team to the No.1 spot👏🏼 I hope that You continue to score Runs for Pakistan even better than before. Keep smiling and Stay Fit. The Team needs you at your Best.@babarazam258… https://t.co/Lgi6TDrZIq

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) November 15, 2023

Thank you @babarazam258 for you efforts as captain for @TheRealPCB I am sure this won’t be your last time that you captain Pakistan. Everything happens for good and for learning. Now just enjoy getting lots of runs… May Allah always bless you Ameen ❤️🇵🇰 https://t.co/IPjsqNwstg

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) November 15, 2023

It’s been an honour to have represented Pakistan under your captaincy. I’ve been part of many highs and many lows during that period, but your resilience and determination always came on top. Looking forward to seeing you score heavily for Pakistan and that too from the best seat… https://t.co/Z06Rc9dfOX

— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) November 15, 2023

Kudos to @babarazam258 for his achievements under his captaincy! The team's growth & performances speaks volumes. Here's to breaking more batting records and achieving even greater success in the future Bobzy . #BabarAzam #PakistanCricket https://t.co/6aB4QvYvkz

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) November 15, 2023

Really appreciate Ur services @babarazam258 as a captain of Pakistan Cricket. Surely ur hunger to get more runs contributing for winning matches for team will grow more with time. Stay healthy and blessed. https://t.co/FKY8SiZduo

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 15, 2023

4 years of pure joy, it has been an absolute honour to have played & make my white ball debut under your leadership @babarazam258.

You have always led from the front & made us all believe in "One Team, One Dream”.

In sha Allah, we will watch you break many batting records for… pic.twitter.com/RCey1X3kLh

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) November 15, 2023