Islamabad
\nFormer Pakistan cricketer, Wasim Akram has expressed his support for Babar Azam\u2019s decision, stating that stepping down from captaincy will allow him to focus more on his batting and eliminate unnecessary stress.
\nBabar informed fans of his decision to step down as captain of the white-ball teams through a social media post in recent days.
\nHis leadership has seen Pakistan\u2019s team underperform, which has led to appreciation for his decision.
\nIn response to an inquiry from the Cricket Pakistan representative, Akram said that Babar must have made his decision thoughtfully.
\nHe likely consulted with his seniors, mentors, and friends, including his father.
\n\u201cThis would not have been an easy decision, but we should respect it. I stand with Babar. He should enjoy his cricket. With reduced pressure, he will be able to focus more on his batting,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cI believe that stepping down from captaincy will significantly improve Babar Azam\u2019s performance. He must have experienced unnecessary stress due to captaincy, and now he can fully concentrate on his game, win a few matches for Pakistan, and I am confident he will do just that,\u201d Akram said.
\nIt\u2019s important to note that following Babar\u2019s resignation, Pakistan is now searching for a new captain for the white-ball format.
\nNames such as Mohammad Rizwan have come up in discussions.
\nThe decision regarding leadership rests solely with the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who is currently busy with political matters and will take steps regarding this issue when time permits.
\nPakistan\u2019s white-ball team is set to tour Australia next month.
\nAB de Villiers backs Babar
\nYesterday, former South African captain AB de Villiers expressed his support for Babar Azam after the Pakistani star stepped down as captain of the white-ball formats.
\nBabar, who had been leading Pakistan for several years, made the announcement through social media, stating that he wanted to focus on his batting moving forward.
\nHis decision has sparked reactions across the cricket world, with many surprised by the sudden move.
\nIn his statement, Babar explained that leading the team had been an honour, but it was time for him to step back from the captaincy to prioritise his performance as a player.
\nHe expressed his intention to contribute more as a batsman for Pakistan.
\nThe 29-year-old\u2019s decision marked the end of his captaincy in ODI and T20 formats, but he remains an integral part of the Test team.
\nAB de Villiers reacted to Babar\u2019s announcement by congratulating him on his tenure as captain.
\nIn a post on X (formerly Twitter), De Villiers wrote, \u201cCongrats. You\u2019ve been great. Now for plenty more runs for your team.\u201d
\nHis message of encouragement highlighted the respect Babar commands in the international cricket community.
\nWith Babar stepping down, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the top candidate for the ODI captaincy.
\nMeanwhile, Mohammad Haris is being considered for the leadership role in T20 internationals.
\nAs Pakistan prepares for upcoming series, including a Test series against England, Babar remains a key figure in the Test format, where he will next lead Pakistan in a three-match series starting October 7.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad Former Pakistan cricketer, Wasim Akram has expressed his support for Babar Azam\u2019s decision, stating that stepping down from captaincy will allow him to focus more on his batting and eliminate unnecessary stress. Babar informed fans of his decision to step down as captain of the white-ball teams through a social media post in recent […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":212574,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-435445","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n