“Babar Azam Deserved Better”: Pakistani supporters express their sadness over Azam’s captaincy decision

Babar Azam was due for more. After Babar Azam announced his resignation as the Men in Green’s captain across all forms of the game, a feeling that many Pakistani cricket fans had expressed became apparent. The 28-year-old resigned from his position as captain after Pakistan was unable to advance to the 2023 ICC World Cup semi-final, finishing fifth in the standings. Azam also scored 320 runs in the competition, which was average by his own standards.

Pakistani cricket fans were the most devastated to learn that Azam was stepping down from his leadership role; they believed the player deserved more.

On the microblogging site “X,” an irate fan said, “Disgusting how the board and all the mafia treated their country’s best ever bat with agendas & conspiracies yet he chose dignity & self respect to resign, left his chair which nobody does in this country.”

Many others celebrated their “captain” by taking a trip down memory lane.

After resigning, Azam showed kindness and humility by providing admirers with images, which he shared with user “X.”

“I’m grateful, Babar.”

Another admirer remarked, “Azam, better things are ahead.”

“Our Captain Indefinitely”

To the dismay of his fans, Babar Azam revealed the news of his resignation as captain on Wednesday night via his “X” account.

“I can still clearly recall the day I was called by PCB to take over as Pakistan’s leader in 2019.” In his statement, Babar said, “I have had many highs and lows over the past four years, both on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world.”

“I am leaving my position as Pakistan’s captain in all forms today. Though it’s a tough choice, I think this call should be made at this particular moment.

“I shall carry on playing in all three forms for Pakistan. I’m here to provide my expertise and commitment to the squad and the new captain. I want to thank Pakistan Cricket Board from the bottom of my heart for giving me this important duty.

Pakistan’s T20I team will be captained by renowned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Shan Masood, meantime, would be in charge of the Test responsibilities, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on “X.”