In a recent interview, Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan didn’t hold back as he criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not giving him enough chances to prove himself on the international stage.
The 25-year-old, currently playing in the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20) with the Desert Vipers, voiced his frustration with how the PCB has managed his career.
Being the son of former cricket star Moin Khan, Azam Khan specifically pointed out the PCB’s coaching system for not giving him the opportunities he feels he deserves. During a chat with veteran player Shoaib Malik, Azam used strong language that might not go down well with PCB officials and ex-officials.
“I feel like when I play in franchise cricket, I get plenty of chances because they recognize my ability to win games, which is why they invite me. But if there are doubts about my skills at this level, I’m okay with it, and I’ll figure things out on my own,” he said.
During the ILT20, Azam Khan caught attention with an impressive performance in the 19th match. He smashed a rapid half-century, scoring 50 runs from just 20 balls against the Gulf Giants. With a remarkable strike rate of 250, Azam’s powerful hitting played a vital role in the Vipers’ successful chase of the Giants’ target of 162 runs.
Despite his impactful displays in franchise cricket, Azam Khan has only featured in eight T20Is for Pakistan, mostly batting at number six. He was part of the Pakistan team that faced a 4-1 defeat against New Zealand in a five-match T20I series.
Expressing his frustration with the limited opportunities, Azam Khan revealed his disappointment. “I’ve made three comebacks in the past four years, but I’ve never had the chance to play a complete series for Pakistan, and that hurts. Either give me a full series or don’t keep my chances hanging,” he said.
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Azam Khan also stressed that he approaches his cricket with a clear mind, and the doubts raised about his abilities by the PCB are frustrating. “When I play under foreign coaches, I never feel inadequate. However, when I represent Pakistan, I sense they don’t consider me a good enough cricketer,” he added.
As Azam Khan gears up to join Islamabad United for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he openly stated that he would explore other options if the PCB does not clarify its stance on his future.