'Please leave captaincy': Shoaib Malik urges Babar Azam to leave leadership role after India defeat in T20 WC

Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has urged Babar Azam to leave the captaincyafter his side was on the brink of a group stage exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup. While Shoaib was full of praise for Babar for his batting, he urged him to leave the captaincy to focus onbatting which will relieve extra pressure from his shoulders. Pakistan are set to face Canada on Tuesday in a do-or-die match, meaning a defeat for them will end their pursuit of a top two finish, resulting in early elimination.

Shoaib urges Babar to leave captaincy

"I have been saying for a long time, please leave captaincy. You are a class player, and you will only be able to show your class when you do not have additional responsibilities on you. If Babar stays away from captaincy, it will be good for him," Shoaib Malik said.

"People keep talking about Babar and Rizwan's strike rates, so you brought in Saim Ayub. Yesterday, it was a 120 chase, why were you trying to improve your strike rate yesterday? The platform was set in every manner. If as a leader and a batter, your brain does kick-in, in these sorts of situations, when will it? I am forced to say today that the core of this team, in the T20I format, I think we have to stop backing them," Shoaib concluded.

Pakistan in do-or-die battle against Canada

Pakistan could face elimination from the T20 World Cup if the result goes against them on Tuesday when they play Canada. Even a washout could see their chances gettingaffected with both India and the USA benefiting from the same.

This result also means that Canada will give themselves a good chance of reaching the Super Eight. However, a washout will mean they could also reach only a maximum of five points and will need a helping hand to reach the Super Eight.