'Typical of Pakistan, they change captains': Chappell takes merciless aim over Babar Azam stepping down as skipper

Last week, Pakistan's Babar Azam stepped down as captain of the national team across all three formats of the game. Babar's decision came shortly after the side's disappointing exit from the 2023 World Cup, where it finished fifth; Pakistan faced defeats to arch-rivals India, as well as Afghanistan, while facing narrow losses to South Africa and eventual champions Australia as well. Speculations were rife over Babar's future as captain even during the World Cup, and while his successor in ODIs is yet to be announced, Shaheen Afridi will now lead Pakistan in T20Is while Shan Masood was named the skipper in Tests.

Babar had taken to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm his resignation. “Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey. 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 had written in his post.

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Pakistan will return to action next month when the side tours Australia for a three-Test series, starting December 14. Ahead of the series, former Australia batter Ian Chappell spoke about Babar stepping down as captain and made an interesting remark on Pakistan cricket; the former Aussie skipper stated that it is “typical” of Pakistan to keep changing captains.

“Yeah that’s a pity, I think Babar’s a very good player. He’s not leaving the Pakistan side and maybe they can find a better captain. But it’s typical of Pakistan, they change captains (frequently),” Chappell said, speaking on Wide World of Sports.

Babar is a part of the Pakistan Test squad for the Australia tour but Chappell believes the visitors face a herculean task when they land Down Under.

“The problem with Pakistan is they don’t have a great record in Australia, even when they had good sides who could bat and bowl. They’ve got some good quickies at the moment but the bounce of Australian pitches has always troubled them,” Chappell said.

Australia's Test series against Pakistan will be their first since the Ashes, where they retained the urn under Pat Cummins' captaincy.