World Cup 2023: Calls for Babar Azam's resignation gather steam

As Pakistan inch closer to World Cup 2023 elimination, skipper Babar Azam faces pressure from fellow cricketers to step down from captaincy's role due to the team's poor performance. 

The Green Shirts failed to perform in the mega event and only won four out of eight games. They are currently in fifth position with a net run rate (NRR) of 0.036.

Speaking during the Geo News programme 'Harna Mana Hai', former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq said that Babar should quit the captaincy himself and make an example out of it.

"Virat Kohli also performed well after leaving the captaincy," he said, adding that there were clear signs that the team selection was not good during the last two years.

Razzaq further appreciated the Afghanistan team which defeated Pakistan by eight wickets. "Afghanistan played very well and their goal was to defeat Pakistan," he said.

He added that no other team likes seeing Pakistan win as the team is very good.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Imad Wasim also advised Babar to step down as the team's skipper. "When you lose the World Cup, you should also give up the role of captaincy yourself," he said.

Pacer Muhammad Amir also commented on the ongoing debate on whether Babar Azam should resign.

"Only one word — bad selection — for the World Cup team," he said while explaining why Pakistan lost four consecutive matches in the 10-team tournament.

A day earlier, sources revealed that Babar is likely to step down as the captain of white-ball cricket after returning from India.

As per sources, the 29-year-old has been seeking guidance on his future, consulting with former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja and people close to him.

During the training at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Friday, Azam sought advice from Raja. His close aides are advising him to step down from leadership in all three formats, the sources added.

'No pressure of captaincy'

Babar Azam entered the World Cup as the top-ranked ODI batter but his average of 40.28 is behind three of his teammates, while several former players have found his leadership uninspiring.

The number three batter's highest score of 74 came in their shock loss to Afghanistan but the 29-year-old denied that the captaincy was affecting his form with the bat.

"I have been captaining my team for the last three years and I have never felt pressure," he said on Friday ahead of a crucial match against England which they have to win by an improbable margin to proceed further in the World Cup.

"Once we go back to Pakistan ... we will see what happens," he said when asked about resigning as captain.

"I have not performed the way I should have in the World Cup, that’s why people are saying that I am under pressure.

"Over the last two and half or three years, I was the one who was performing for the side and leading the team.

"It seems everyone has an opinion on me - he should be like this, or like that. If someone really wants to advise me, I think everyone has my number. But I guess it is easy to give advice on TV."