Babar Azam resigned as Pakistan's white-ball skipper Tuesday, saying he wanted to focus on his playing role in the future matches, the batter said on social media site X.
"I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team. It's been an honor to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus on my playing role," Babar, re-appointed skipper in May this year, tweeted late Tuesday.
Babar’s resignation came a week before Pakistan's three-match Test series against England, starting in Multan Monday, in which he was named in the 15-man squad.
Shan Masood will lead the Test side.
Pakistan also have a white-ball tour of Australia next month where Babar was due to lead the side, but now Pakistan Cricket Board will have to name a new skipper.
"Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it's added a significant workload. I want to prioritize my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy.
"By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth."
Babar, who turns 30 in a fortnight, was sacked as captain of all three formats in November last year following Pakistan's first-round exit from the One Day International World Cup held in India.
After a change in the PCB chairmanship, with Mohsin Naqvi replacing Zaka Ashraf, Babar was re-instated as white-ball skipper in May, taking over from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Babar led Pakistan's disastrous Twenty20 World Cup campaign - co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies - in June in which they were upset by the United States and lost to arch-rivals India to go out in the first round.
Babar has led Pakistan in 20 Tests, 43 ODIs and 85 T20 Internationals since being appointed skipper for the first time in 2019.
Babar said he remained thankful for the opportunity to lead the country.
"I'm grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me. I'm proud of what we've achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player," he wrote.
