In a significant turn of events, Babar Azam, the former captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20 cricket teams, has resigned from his captaincy role. This decision, which has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts across the nation, has ignited discussions surrounding the motivations behind his resignation, with some speculating that Indian cricket star Virat Kohli might have played a pivotal role in influencing Babarโs choice.
Babar Azam’s Resignation: A Response to Pressure?
Babar Azam announced his resignation through social media, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the reasons behind his unforeseen decision. According to multiple reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had not pressured Babar to step down, and there were even discussions about retaining him as captain until the Champions Trophy next year. However, despite this apparent support, Babar chose to resign, leading to speculation in Pakistanโs media regarding the influences he may have faced.
Virat Kohli’s Influence on Babar’s Decision
In a report by Geo News journalist Arfa Firoz Jake, it was suggested that Babar Azam was under immense pressure following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. The journalist claimed that close friends advised Babar to emulate Virat Kohli, who stepped down as captain of the Indian team in 2021. This comparison may have significantly swayed Babarโs decision, as he reportedly desires to concentrate on improving his individual performance, similar to Kohliโs approach post-captaincy.
๐จ INSIDE NEWS โ Close friends of Babar Azam gave him example of Virat Kohli and in other words you can say Babar has resigned from captaincy following the footsteps of Kohli. Babar wants to focus on individual performance just like Kohli. #BabarAzam๐ต 7/n
โ Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) October 1, 2024
Babar’s Reluctance to Lead Again
Further insights from Geo News indicate that Babar Azam was initially hesitant to take on the captaincy role again. Reportedly, family pressures played a part in his decision to accept the captaincy, a role which he now regrets. Babar’s resolve to step down was evident when he opted not to take up the captaincy during the recent Champions ODI Cup held in Pakistan, marking a clear sign of his intent to distance himself from leadership responsibilities.
The Future of Pakistan Cricket
As the cricketing community reacts to Babar Azamโs resignation, questions arise about the future direction of Pakistan cricket. With experienced players like Babar stepping down from leadership roles, the PCB will need to ensure a smooth transition for the next captain. The decision could have implications not just for Babarโs career but also for the overall dynamics of the national team as it prepares for upcoming international competitions.
