The Pakistan Cricket Board later announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi would captain the T20 side, and Shan Masood would be the Test captain for Pakistan. The decision regarding the captaincy for the One Day Internationals will be made at an appropriate time.
PCB has also confirmed that significant changes will be made to the coaching staff for the upcoming tours of Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.
In a statement, it was said, “PCB has changed the portfolio of the entire coaching staff, including Director Cricket Mickey Arthur.” “All coaches will continue to work at the National Cricket Academy, while PCB will announce a new coaching staff for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand.”
Babar has been the captain of Pakistan in all formats since 2020, leading the T20 team and taking over the roles of captaincy in ODIs and Tests a year later.
However, due to Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup in India, the 29-year-old had to resign immediately from the position.
In a statement released on his social media channels, Babar said, “I remember the moment well when PCB called me in 2019 to lead Pakistan.”
“In the last four years, I have experienced many ups and downs on and off the field, but I have always aimed to keep the pride and honor of Pakistan intact in the cricketing world with complete heart and passion.”
“Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was the result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management, but I want to express my gratitude for the unwavering support of Pakistan cricket fans during this journey.
“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It is a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right time for this call.”
Pakistan lost all five matches during the 2023 tournament and missed out on the semifinal qualification spots. Babar, in relatively poor form with the bat, scored 320 runs in his nine innings with a highest score of only 74
