Wed Oct 02 16:56:13 UTC 2024: ## Babar Azam Steps Down as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain Again, Facing Criticism

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Pakistani cricket, star batsman Babar Azam has resigned as captain of the national white-ball team. This is the second time in less than a year that Azam has relinquished the captaincy, following his earlier resignation after a disappointing ODI World Cup campaign in 2023.

Azam’s decision comes after Pakistan’s recent failure to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. Despite a brief return to captaincy in March 2024, Azam faced criticism for the team’s performance, particularly their opening loss to the USA in a surprising upset.

The 29-year-old batsman, who has led the team since 2019, has been under immense pressure to deliver a major tournament victory. His tenure as captain has been marked by several changes in leadership, with Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood briefly taking over the captaincy in different formats.

Azam’s resignation has sparked widespread debate amongst fans and analysts, with many expressing disappointment and questioning his leadership. Social media is abuzz with reactions, some praising his batting prowess while others criticizing his captaincy record.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to announce a new captain for the white-ball team. However, with the upcoming three-match Test series against England starting on October 7th, the selection of a new captain for the longer format is expected to be a top priority for the board.

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