Babar Azam’s abrupt resignation from the captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball teams has been attributed to a damning report submitted by former India coach Gary Kirsten. Following a disappointing T20 World Cup in July, where Pakistan’s performance fell short, insiders suggest that Babar’s enthusiasm for the role significantly waned.
Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that Babar was deeply affected by Kirsten’s observations, which appeared to place the blame for the team’s failures squarely on his shoulders. “Babar was not happy with the report’s conclusions and felt unfairly targeted,” an insider stated. The situation escalated to the point where Babar communicated to the board his lack of interest in continuing as captain after parts of Kirsten’s critique became public.
Furthermore, Babar expressed disappointment to several PCB officials regarding their failure to acknowledge his previous successes and the trust he felt had eroded within the organization. Tensions rose when the PCB opted not to name him captain for the ODI squad while still confirming his leadership of the T20 team ahead of the World Cup.
Kirsten’s report not only evaluated the team’s dressing room dynamics but also addressed concerns about player behavior and cooperation during the England series and the World Cup. It raised doubts about Babar’s ability to handle the pressures of captaincy, especially given the mental strain he has endured over the past year.
As for Babar’s successor, the PCB has reportedly taken a cautious approach. They are not rushing to announce a new white-ball captain, preferring to allow Kirsten, selector Asad Shafiq, and the selection committee to deliberate thoroughly before making a recommendation. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the importance of documenting the selection committee’s discussions to ensure transparency in the decision-making process.
With the cricketing world closely watching, the PCB’s next steps will be crucial as they seek to stabilize the team and restore confidence among players and fans alike.