Since debuting in July 2021, Azam Khan has only amassed 88 runs at an average of 8.80 in 14 Twenty20 International matches. Thirty not out is his best score.
Legendary captain Ramiz Raja has come under fire from former Pakistan captain Moin Khan for the treatment of his son Azam Khan. Azam, a batsman and wicketkeeper, has had his career damaged by body-shaming outside the cricket ground, and his subpar performances have made it tough for him to maintain his place in the team. Since debuting in July 2021, Azam has only amassed 88 runs at an average of 8.80 in 14 Twenty20 International matches. Thirty not out is his best score.
Azam was benched in the subsequent matches. Hence, he didn’t score in the one game he played for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup. For the removal, Moin has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its former chairman, Ramiz.
“I watched every World Cup match in 2024, including the warm-up matches, and it felt that Azam was the best option for both batting and wicketkeeping. After just one game, the entire strategy was abruptly altered. After just one encounter, Azam was dumped after being out on the opening ball and was not given another opportunity to hold wickets. How can we develop quality players if the management or captain makes such abrupt changes to the players?” Moin informed Cricket Pakistan.
“Azam was also included in the 2022 World Cup squad, but Ramiz Raja left him off. At the time, they should have fired the chief selector if he had chosen poorly, but they had the guts to do so, demoralizing a young athlete.
It is evident in this World Cup as well how he was played. I’m not arguing that the captain and the team management are solely to blame; Azam is not without faults. He needs to strengthen his body and mind and emulate other athletes’ exercise regimens. I’ve observed he’s been training hard to increase his fitness for the past month or so,” he continued.
In cricket, where competition is fierce, young players frequently experience extreme pressure. One of Pakistan’s most gifted athletes, Azam Khan, was recently in the news for all the wrong reasons. The cricketing world has been divided by the issue surrounding his expulsion from the national squad. Azam’s father, former Pakistan cricket hero Moin Khan, was unreserved in his criticism of the move, calling it one that had “demoralised a young player.” This article examines the circumstances and ramifications of Azam Khan’s removal and Moin Khan’s response.
Azam Khan’s Rise to Power
Azam Khan has swiftly established himself as a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman in both domestic and international cricket. Azam, who is renowned for his forceful hitting and aggressive manner, is thought to be a valuable addition to Pakistan’s middle order in the future. A turning point in his early career came when he was chosen for the national team, which allowed him to demonstrate his abilities internationally.
Early Signs of Hope in National Leagues
Azam’s path to the national squad started in the domestic leagues of Pakistan. Azam, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) player for the Quetta Gladiators, made an impression with his ability to cross borders arbitrarily. He was compared to some of the world’s greatest power hitters as a result of his performances. He was able to showcase his abilities through the PSL, and before long, he was contacting the national team.
The First-ever National Team
In 2021, Azam Khan made his Pakistani T20I debut. Even with his erratic performances, his talent was obvious. The selectors were impressed by Azam’s ability to play under pressure and hit big shots, so they included him in Pakistan’s limited-overs lineup. The team’s supporters hoped he would solidify his position and establish himself as a mainstay in the batting order.
The Surprise Axe That Startled Everyone
Azam showed promise, but he was recently cut from the national team—a decision that baffled many cricket fans. Many believe Azam wasn’t given enough chances to establish his worth. However, form and fitness are frequently mentioned as reasons for cutting players. Due to the abrupt exclusion, There are concerns regarding the selection process and the management of young players in Pakistani cricket.
The Response of Moin Khan
Former captain and legendary figure in Pakistani cricket, Moin Khan, could not stay silent about the matter. Moin conveyed his dissatisfaction with his son’s exclusion to the media. He argued that the choice was unjust and severe, especially for a young player just starting in international cricket. Many supporters and former cricket players have gathered behind Moin because of his remarks, which have fueled the flames.
“Demoralised a Young Player”
The most damning thing Moin Khan said was that Azam’s removal had “demoralized a young player.” He contended that the selectors were fast to dump individuals rather than developing talent and giving them time to get used to the demands of international cricket. According to Moin, this might undermine a young cricket player’s self-esteem and impede their progress.
Selectors’ Function in Pakistani Cricket
The selection committee for Pakistan’s cricket team has frequently faced criticism for its choices. The country’s rich talent pool means that competition for spots in the national team is fierce. However, critics argue that constantly chopping and changing players affects team morale and individual confidence. Azam’s exclusion is seen by many as a reflection of this inconsistency.
Fitness Concerns – A Legitimate Reason?
One of the reasons cited for Azam Khan’s exclusion was his fitness. The modern game demands athletes to be in peak physical condition, and Azam’s fitness levels have been debated. However, many believe his fitness concerns could have been addressed while being part of the squad rather than excluding him altogether.
Comparisons to Other Players
Azam Khan’s situation is not unique. Many young cricketers in Pakistan and elsewhere have faced similar obstacles early in their careers. According to experts, the key is how well these players are managed. Comparisons have been drawn to players like Rohit Sharma and David Warner, who faced early career setbacks but became cricketing legends. Could Azam Khan’s career follow a similar trajectory if given the correct support?
Public and Media Reaction
The media has been buzzing with reactions to Moin Khan’s words. Some support his ideas, saying young players are not given enough time to grow. Others, however, feel that Azam’s performances didn’t justify his continuing stay in the team. In any case, the narrative has rekindled discussions about player management in Pakistani cricket.
Azam Khan’s Reaction
On the other hand, Azam Khan has mostly kept quiet about the matter to concentrate on his cricket. He said in a brief statement that he is committed to improving his performance and level of fitness to get back on the national team. Many have applauded his self-improvement drive as a mature response to the circumstances.
What Lies Ahead for Azam Khan?
It is yet unclear what Azam Khan’s future holds. Will he be able to come back from this setback, or will it spell the end of his international career? The support from his father and fans may give him the motivation he needs, but the path ahead will not be easy. It will take perseverance, diligence, and possibly some good fortune.
Pakistan’s Young Players’ Impact
Because of Azam Khan’s case, the treatment of young cricket players in Pakistan has become more scrutinized. Many believe that budding talent should be given greater patience and assistance in the nation’s cricket establishment. Growing as a young player might be hampered by the continual pressure to succeed and the dread of being dropped.
In summary
The removal of Azam Khan from the Pakistani team has generated a lot of discussion, and Moin Khan’s remarks have fueled the fire even more. It’s unclear if Azam will be able to return. Still, this event has brought attention to young Pakistani cricket players’ difficulties. Only time will tell whether Azam can get past this obstacle and reach his full potential, as the cricketing world attentively observes.
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