Karachi, Feb 28 (Reporter) England’s white-ball cricket captain Jos Buttler on Friday stepped down from his role following the team’s premature exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. Buttler's decision comes amid mounting criticism of England’s performance, with defeats against Australia and Afghanistan highlighting their struggles in the tournament. The team’s group-stage elimination has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, with former England cricketer Michael Vaughan stating that the outcome was unsurprising, pointing to persistent issues within the squad. The loss to Afghanistan proved particularly damaging, with Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177-run knock setting up England’s eight-run defeat, effectively ending their campaign. Buttler, announcing his resignation, stated, "I am going to stand down as England captain. It's the right decision for me, the right decision for the team. Hopefully, somebody else can come in and work closely alongside Baz [head coach Brendon McCullum] to take the team back to where it needs to be." He further reflected on his decision, adding, "It's quite clear [what prompted this decision]. This tournament was going to be important results-wise for my captaincy, and obviously, two losses and being out of the tournament with a bit of a hangover from some tournaments before, it probably reached the end of the road for me and my captaincy." "It's a shame, I am sad about that. With Brendon only coming in recently, I was excited about working closely with him and hoped for a quick turnaround to take the team forward, but it's not worked out that way." "Overriding emotions are still sadness and disappointment, but I'm sure in time that will pass. I can get back to really enjoying my cricket. I will also be able to reflect on what an immense honour it is to captain your country and all the special things that come with that." His departure raises questions over the future direction of England’s white-ball strategy as the team looks to rebuild following a string of disappointing performances. Several former players have criticised England’s approach, with some attributing their decline to overconfidence and a disconnect between the squad’s attitude and their on-field results. Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has delivered a scathing critique, asserting that England approached the Champions Trophy with a lack of seriousness, as if the tournament held little significance in their broader ambitions. Prior to the competition, England had suffered a resounding series defeat at the hands of India on foreign soil. At the time, opener Ben Duckett had dismissed concerns over the whitewash, remarking that their sole focus was on securing the Champions Trophy. "I fully comprehend why the world takes delight in witnessing England’s downfall… The sheer arrogance of English cricket—to labour for years in pursuit of a 50-over World Cup victory, only to later deem the format unworthy of their best players’ commitment—is simply staggering," Butcher remarked. As the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) navigates this transitional phase, focus will be on reassessing leadership, player development, and tactical execution to restore England’s competitive standing in international cricket...////...