Babar Azam failed to live up to the expectations as a batter and captain in the 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

The Pakistan skipper came into the showpiece tournament as a No. 1 ODI batter but couldn’t do justice with the numero uno tag. In nine innings, the right-hander amassed 320 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 82.90.

Babar also came under the scanner for his captaincy as Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup semis after losing five out of nine matches.

After the World Cup debacle, Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan captain in all formats of the game. While Babar relinquished the country’s captaincy, he will continue to lead Peshawar Zalmi in the next Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

Amid the recent development, Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram has advised Babar Azam to give up the captaincy altogether.

“I had a given an idea to Babar Azam a couple of years ago that don’t do captaincy in league cricket. [You’re a] Big player, take your money, play your game, get runs, go home, and then to the next event. Pakistan’s captaincy is alright, but the league brings extra stress without any reason,” said Akram while speaking to Sportskeeda.

Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, Peshawar Zalmi finished fourth in the 2022-2023 season of the Pakistan Super League. He aggregated 522 runs for Zalmi last season.