Moin Khan criticizes Pakistani leadership for unfair treatment of Azam Khan

Former wicketkeeper Moin Khan has lashed out at the Pakistan team management for treating Azam Khan unfairly. Azam made his international debut in 2021 but has been in and out of the national team, scoring just 88 runs in 14 T20Is at an average of 8.80 and a strike rate of 133.33 with a maximum score of 30 not credited to his name.

Azam was part of the Pakistan squad that took part in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States of America. After winning a golden duck against the United States when Nosthush Kenjige dismissed him, Azam was withdrawn from the starting eleven for the remaining matches. Later, Mohammad Rizwan took the goalkeeper gloves.

Moin, who played 69 Tests and 219 ODIs, said Pakistan had eschewed the “tradition of player development” for the growth of cricket in the country.

“How can we produce good players?”

“I watched the entire World Cup and the games leading up to it, and it seemed like Azam was the number one choice for wicketkeeper and batsman. Then suddenly after just one game, the whole strategy changed,” Khan told PTI.

“Azam was unlucky to keep his wickets after one game and was bowled out after being bowled on the first ball (against USA). Any player can be bowled out on the first ball but here the tradition of player development that was there earlier is no longer there. Be it the captain or the management, if they make such quick changes to players, how can we produce good players?” Moin said.

Azam has also faced criticism and trolls regarding his physique and his qualifications to play international cricket have also been questioned.

“I am not saying that all the fault lies with the team management and the captain. Azam has his own shortcomings too. He needs to strengthen himself physically and mentally and follow the fitness routines of other athletes,” Moin added.

Azam has also had a tough time in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. In three matches, the youngster has scored just 11 runs at an average of 3.67. He is currently part of the Stallions squad that is participating in the ongoing Pakistan Champions Cup.