Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has recently opened up about the comments made by wicket-keeper Azam Khan about not getting clarity and confidence from the national team management.
Azam Khan made his comeback to the national team last month in the T20I series against New Zealand during Hafeez’s tenure as the team director.
However, the explosive batter failed to leave a lasting impression, scoring 22 runs in the first three matches before getting dropped from the last two matches.
Later, Azam Khan, in an interview with International League T20 (ILT20) franchise Desert Vipers, had expressed his reservations regarding his selection in the Pakistan team by lamenting on being made to play a handful of fixtures instead of a full series.
“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,” said Khan.
“That means either you [Pakistan coaches] 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,” the wicket-keeper added.
Mohammad Hafeez, while responding to Azam Khan’s comments in the A-Sports show ‘The Pavilion,’ stated that he backed the young batter’s talent but also mentioned that he would have to work on his fitness.
“I promise you that I gave him total confidence. He was totally looked after and given clarity. Even after he couldn’t perform, I told him that I would look after him and he wouldn’t be forgotten,” Hafeez claimed.
The former all-rounder also addressed Azam Khan’s comments that franchise teams gave him more chances to showcase his talent.
“Franchises pick only four foreign players and give you ten games, even if you fail to perform. However, if you don’t perform in international cricket, you will face the pressure as there are guys waiting to take your place.”
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