Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has criticized the team management for their inconsistent selection policies and apparent lack of faith in his skills. Azam Khan, known for his powerful batting in domestic cricket and various T20 leagues, has featured in only eight T20Is for Pakistan since making his debut in 2021.
Despite Azam Khan’s reputation as a big hitter, Azam has found it challenging to adapt to international cricket, with an average of just 4.83 in those eight matches. It won’t be wrong to say that PCB is in chaos as the change in Pakistani government has made the governing body a laughing stock.
I never played a full series in the last 4 series- Azam Khan
In a recent conversation with Shoaib Malik on the Desert Vipers YouTube channel, Azam voiced his frustrations with the Pakistan team management, expressing:
“In the last 4 years, I have made a comeback three times and I have never played a full series, so it hurts me a little that either you give me the full series or leave me out altogether, or don’t hang me in the middle, so I regret this thing,”
The 25-year-old added,
“I have always understood that when I play league cricket, I get a complete opportunity because they know I can win them games, so they are calling me here. That means either you are putting doubts in my mind that I am not good at this level, then it’s okay, then I will find my own way,”
Azam Khan made his debut in the three-match T20I series in England in 2021, featuring in the first two games. Subsequently, he was included in the playing XI for the opening match of the four-match T20I series against the West Indies the following month.
Azam didn’t get the chance to bat in that match, and he wasn’t included in the rest of the series. It took him two years to make a comeback to the T20I side for the series against Afghanistan last year, but he only featured in the first two games.
The talented wicket-keeper participated in the recently concluded five-match series against New Zealand but featured in only the first three matches.
When I play for the Pakistan team, I feel like I am lacking something– Azam Khan
Azam Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the inconsistent treatment he received within the Pakistan team, especially in contrast to his experiences with foreign coaches. Despite his struggles in international cricket, the youngster has an impressive track record in domestic T20s. In 148 games, he averages 25.05 at a formidable strike rate of 146.02.
“It is obvious that I play all my cricket with a full mindset, and when someone comes and puts doubts about it, then I get a little frustrated, because when I play with foreign coaches, they never make me feel like I am lacking something, but yes, when I play for the Pakistan team, I feel like I am lacking something because when I watch my batting, my innings, then I say that I am not less than any player,” said Azam Khan.
Azam Khan has showcased his talents in various T20 franchises worldwide, representing teams like the Barbados Royals, Guyana Warriors, Khulna Tigers, and the Galle Gladiators. Despite his limited international appearances, he has gained considerable experience, featuring in 30 List-A matches and 16 first-class games. Currently playing for the Desert Vipers in the International League T20, Azam averages 31.80 at an impressive strike rate of 176.66 across seven matches.