Mohammad Yousuf says he resigned after disagreement over Babar Azam

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has revealed that he resigned from his position following disagreements over the handling of Babar Azam’s place in the national side.

Speaking about the circumstances that led to his departure, Yousuf said he had suggested giving Babar a break from the team during a period when the batter was struggling for form. According to Yousuf, his proposal was not well received.

“There was a time when Babar was not in form. I suggested that he be given rest so that he could work on his technique. But everyone turned against me,” he said, adding that he eventually offered to step down. “I said I would resign and you can do whatever you want.”

Yousuf maintained that Babar’s batting technique had deteriorated and that he had not been scoring consistently for nearly three years.

He proposed that the former captain be sent to the academy to work on technical aspects of his game before making a return.

The former captain further disclosed that his resignation was initially not accepted. However, he submitted it again and it was ultimately approved after a third attempt.

Earlier, Yousuf had publicly criticised the national squad following Pakistan’s defeat to India, stating that senior players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan had reached the end of their time in the team.

He argued that Pakistan’s T20 side required new performers rather than relying on wins against weaker opposition.