Azam demands consistent chances for Pakistan

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan on Tuesday, expressed his disappointment over being given inconsistent chances to prove his mettle in the international circuit.

Azam talked about the inconsistencies in his selection in the Pakistan team during an interview with the International League T20 franchise Desert Vipers. The 25-year-old lamented 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,” stated Azam. “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.

“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.” Azam Khan further acknowledged that he feels to be lacking something while playing for Pakistan.

“It is obvious that I play all my cricket with a full mindset, and when someone comes and puts doubts in 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.”

It is worth mentioning here that Azam Khan recently made his comeback into the national team for the five-match away series against New Zealand in January. The wicketkeeper batter featured in the first three T20Is and failed to make an impact as he could manage modest scores of 10, 2 and 10 respectively.

He has thus far represented Pakistan in eight matches, accumulating a mere 29 runs at a dismal average of 4.83.