Time for me to step down: Babar Azam resigns as Pakistan white-ball team captain
Islamabad: Star batter Babar Azam on Wednesday announced that he was stepping down as Pakistan captain in the white-ball format. This decision comes after he had stepped down from the role in 2023, only to be reinstated in 2024, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi.
“It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” Babar wrote on X.
He expressed that while leading the team has been a rewarding experience, it has also significantly increased his workload. “By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth,” he stated.
The 29-year-old noted that he wants to prioritise his performance and enjoy playing the game while also spending quality time with his family, which brings him joy.
He expressed gratitude to his fans for their continuous support and belief in him.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player. Thank you for your love and support,” he said at the end of the post.
Pakistan is scheduled to face England in a three-match Test series on home soil, with the first Test set to begin on October 7 in Multan.
Dear Fans,
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024
I'm sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.
It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus…
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Prices of cigarettes, beedis, pan masala to rise from Feb 1 with new tax, cess
New Delhi: Cigarettes, beedis, pan masala and other tobacco products will become costlier from February 1 after the Centre notified additional excise duty on tobacco products and a new Health and National Security Cess on pan masala, NDTV reported.
According to a notification issued by the government on Wednesday, the new levies will be imposed over and above the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) and will replace the compensation cess currently charged on these products.
From February 1, pan masala, cigarettes, tobacco and similar products will attract a GST rate of 40 per cent, while biris will attract 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST), according to a government notification.
On top of this, a Health and National Security Cess will be levied on pan masala, while tobacco and related products will attract additional excise duty.
The Finance Ministry also notified the Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines (Capacity Determination and Collection of Duty) Rules, 2026, which will govern the assessment and collection of excise duty on these products.
Parliament had in December approved two Bills allowing levy of the new Health and National Security Cess on pan masala manufacturing and excise duty on tobacco.
The notification issued on Wednesday formally set February 1 as the implementation date. With the rollout of the new tax structure, the existing GST compensation cess on tobacco and pan masala, which is currently levied at varying rates, will cease to exist effective February 1.
