LAHORE – Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez shared the reason behind exclusion of Azam Khan from the playing squad after just three matches during the T20I tour of New Zealand.
Hafeez revealed that the team management had communicated clearly to Azam that his exclusion was not permanent.
He made this disclosure while talking to a local private TV on Wednesday.
The former director said that he also told Azam Khan that he would be provided more opportunities. But after assessing his performance in the start, the management reached the decision to exclude him, holding that he did not meet the requirements.
“My personal wish was that he should play more matches. After three matches, we realized that he was not performing well,” said Hafeez.
He said that they were concerned that his confidence might be affected to the extent that it could hinder his comeback, especially considering the immediate scrutiny from social media after a few performances.
The strategic plan for Azam Khan involved ensuring a consistent run in the team until the upcoming World Cup.
He further explained that Azam Khan got 3-4 matches here (New Zealand), and New Zealand’s team is coming here in April. Then, they were going to England, so he will have those 10 to 15 matches before the World Cup.
Hafeez underscored the importance of adhering to the planned strategy for Azam Khan’s development.
“If you don’t provide him with those opportunities, then you’re deviating from the plan you’ve laid out,” he concluded.
“The plan was to keep him in the team until the World Cup; that was our commitment, “he added.
