Babar Azam steps down; Shan Masood appointed Test captain, Shaheen Afridi to lead in T20

Babar Azam stepped down as the captain of all formats of the national side.

Following the announcement of the now-former skipper, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday appointed Shan Masood as Test captain, while Shaheen Afridi has been tasked with leading the T20 format of the national team.

Babar Azam Babar made the major announcement just moments after having a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

As per the news source, Babar Azam was offered to remain the national team’s captain in Tests, but he refused.

Announcing his decision to step down Babar Azam posted his statement on X-platform.

“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a difficult decision but I feel it is [the] right time for this call,” Babar said.

“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 noted.

Babar said he “vividly” remembers the moment when he got a call from the PCB to lead the national side.

“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,” Babar added.

Following Babar Azam’s statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced officially the appointment of Shan Masood, 34, as Test captain, while Shaheen Afridi, 23, has been tasked with leading the T20 format of the national team.