No one from Pakistan board forced Babar Azam to step down as captain: Naqvi

New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi clarified that Babar Azam’s decision to step down as captain was entirely his own. According to Naqvi, Babar approached him to express his desire to relinquish the captaincy, and there was no pressure from the PCB to make this choice.

Initially, Babar stepped down following the ODI World Cup, but the PCB persuaded him to continue leading the team in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, Pakistan’s disappointing exit in the group stage brought heavy criticism his way, prompting Babar to formally resign as captain. Naqvi commended Babar for his service and confirmed that no one from the board influenced his decision to step down.

“Babar humara Pakistan ka ek asset hai. Kafi arse baad is tareh ke bade players aate hai. Usne mujhse raabta kiya aur usne kaha ki Mohsin bhai mai as a captain continue nahi karna chahta. Kisi ne usse koi… bahut sari baatein beech mein aato nahi thi, lekin main apko bata sakta hoon ki PCB mein se kisi se usse koi na raabta kiya tha ki aapne captaincy chodni hai ya kuch karna hai, uska khud.