LAHORE, Pakistan, Nov 15, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Babar Azam said Wednesday he was

resigning as Pakistan captain in all three formats following the team's
Cricket World Cup flop but will continue playing for the national team.

"Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats," Azam
announced on X, formerly Twitter, after meeting Pakistan Cricket Board chief
Zakar Ashraf in Lahore.

"It's a difficult decision but I feel it is the right time for this call. I
will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats."

Azam, 29, had been leading the side since November 2019 but after the failure
to reach the World Cup semi-finals in India his position was immediately
under threat.

"I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and
dedication," added Azam.

"I want to express my sincere thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for
entrusting me with this significant responsibility."

Shan Masood is tipped to lead the Test side while Shaheen Shah Afridi is the
likely candidate for the white ball captaincy, but no official announcement
has been made.

Azam said his journey had been a rollercoaster ride which culminated in a
record of four wins and five losses at the World Cup.

As well as suffering an eighth defeat in eight meetings at World Cups against
arch-rivals India, he also oversaw a first loss to neighbours Afghanistan.

"I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from the PCB to lead
Pakistan in 2019. Over the past four years, I've experienced many highs and
lows on and off the field," said Azam.

"But I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan's pride and
respect in the cricket world."

Ranked as the number one batsman before the World Cup, Azam failed to score
big runs in India, finishing with 320 without a century over nine games

Azam led Pakistan in 20 Tests, winning ten, losing six and drawing the other
four. In 43 ODIs, Pakistan won 26, losing 16 with one no result.

In the shortest format, Azam led Pakistan to the semi-final of the Twenty20
World Cup in 2021 and a runners-up finish a year later.

In 71 T20Is, he enjoyed 41 wins, 23 losses with seven no results.

Team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn also held
discussions with Ashraf but they are likely to remain in their positions.

Pakistan has a tough tour of Australia coming up where they play three Tests,
starting in Perth from December 12.

They have lost all of their last 14 Tests in the country with their most
recent victory coming back in 1995.