Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan captain after poor show at Cricket World Cup

This decision comes in the wake of Pakistan's exit in league stages of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India.

"... Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It's a difficult decision but I feel it is the right time for this call ...," he said in a statement posted on X.

However, Babar said he would continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats and support the new captain.

"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," he said.

Expressing his sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting him with this significant responsibility, Babar said, "I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019.

"Over the past four years, I've experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan's pride and respect in the cricket world."

Babar's captaincy reached its acme when Pakistan reached the No.1 spot in the white-ball format and dedidated this success to the collective efforts of the players and staff members.

"Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I'd like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey," he said.

Though the PCB did not ask for his resignation, Babar made up his mind as the Men in Green lost five out of nine games including a seven-wicket thrashing at the hands of India at Ahmedabad. Pakistan also lost to Afghanistan for the first time.