Srinagar: Star cricketers Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan lead praises as Babar Azam stepped down from the Pakistan Cricket Team captain in all formats.
Babar Azam on Wednesday after meeting PCB officials announced that he is stepping down as captain.
Soon after the announment, PCB named Shaan Masood as Test captain while as Shaheen Afridi as T20 skipper.
Meanwhile fans and Babar Azam’s colleagues have come out and praised him for his leadership.
“Kaptaaana, aap Dilo k Kaptaan ho. You are definitely one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever seen.
Your honesty, love, integrity, thoughts, and efforts for Pakistan as the captain are the things to look up to. May you continue to shine for Pakistan, Ameen.
@babarazam258,” Mohammad Rizwan posted on X.
“@babarazam258: under your exemplary leadership, it’s been a privilege to witness true teamwork and camaraderie. Your forefront leadership and commitment to team unity and collective success are commendable.
Looking forward to seeing you break more batting records, In sha Allah,” Shaheen Afridi wrote.
Cricketers Michael Vaughan, Azhar Ali, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez and others have also praised Babar.
Meanwhile Babar while annoucing stepping down wrote, “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”.
“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.”
Meanwhile, he assured his support for 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 concluded by thanking PCB for the support.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.”
Babar ended as the greatest captain of T20Is for Pakistan, winning 42 out of 71. Under him, Pakistan achieved the top rank in ODIs. His Test record as captain is below par where he won 10 out of 20 while incurred six losses.