Azam resigns as Pakistan captain after World Cup flop
Babar Azam said on 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 (PCB) management committee 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. The PCB said that Azam had been axed as white ball captain but they had wanted him to stay in charge of the Test team. The coaching staff, the PCB said, will also have their roles redefined although it was not certain whether or not coach Grant Bradburn and director of cricket Mickey Arthur will stay on.  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. (AFP)