Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Moin Khan has recently voiced his support for his son Azam Khan amidst the struggles the young cricketer is facing in international cricket. Moin Khan pointed fingers at former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja for dropping Azam from the squad ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup, citing the lack of continuity in selection as the main reason behind Azam’s stunted growth as a player.
Azam Khan, who made his international debut in July 2021, has been finding it challenging to perform at the highest level. With only 88 runs in 14 T20Is and a dismal average of 8.8, Azam has faced severe criticism, particularly regarding his fitness levels.
Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Moin Khan expressed his disappointment in the decision to drop Azam from the T20 World Cup squad, stating, “In the 2021 World Cup, Azam was selected for the team, but Ramiz Raja dropped him. At that time, if the chief selector had made a wrong selection, he should have been removed, but they didn’t have the courage, and as a result, they demoralized a young player. In this World Cup as well, you can see how he was played.”
Moin Khan also questioned the selectors’ rationale behind dropping Azam after just one match in the recent T20 World Cup, despite him seemingly being the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman. He emphasized the need for continuity in player selection to nurture and develop talented individuals like Azam.
In the match against the USA, Azam Khan was dismissed for a golden duck, leading to his exclusion from the subsequent matches against India, Canada, and Ireland.
Despite the setbacks, Moin Khan emphasized the importance of Azam improving his fitness levels to match those of top athletes worldwide. He mentioned that Azam has been working diligently with his trainer Shehzar Mohammad to enhance his physical and mental strength, even taking proactive steps to improve his fitness during his stint with the Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2024.
Moin Khan concluded by highlighting the significance of building and nurturing players to reach their full potential, rather than hastily making changes that could hinder their development. He stressed the need for a supportive environment and consistent opportunities for young players like Azam to thrive in the competitive world of international cricket.
Currently, Azam Khan is showcasing his skills in the Caribbean Premier League while striving to overcome the challenges and criticisms he has faced in his cricketing journey. With dedicated effort and support from his family and mentors, Azam aims to bounce back stronger and make a mark in the world of cricket.
As the cricketing world awaits Azam Khan’s resurgence, it is essential to provide him with the necessary guidance and resources to fulfill his potential and carve out a successful career in the sport he loves.
