Azam Khan is a very talented player, but he needs to learn a lot: Moin Khan

Azam Khan created quite a stir on social media when he was included in the T20 team for the England tour. Son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan, Azam’s inclusion in the team without any jaw-dropping numbers made fans question on what basis the Azam was named in the squad. Adding to the weight issues of the youngster too didn’t help his cause as he was weighing over 100 kilograms.

Meanwhile, Moin Khan also happens to be part of the Quetta Gladiators franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he plays as a middle-order batter. This made people speculate that Azam was promoted by his father and there is nepotism in the selection process. Azam’s ability to give the ball the real whack caught the attention of the management and selectors who named him for the white-ball series.

In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Moin Khan elaborated on Azam and had a word of caution for him ahead of the tour series in England.

“Pressure will always be there. Whether you are playing for Pakistan or even club cricket, there will be pressure. It all depends how to take it, how you have prepared to tackle that pressure, whether you can build an innings or not. Some players try to hit out, others adopt different tactics. It is important to learn these things.”

Moin also spoke about how Azam needs to focus more on putting the opposition under pressure rather than just looking to hit big.

“No doubt, Azam Khan is a very talented player. We have seen that when he plays well, he is capable of shifting the momentum of the match and can put the opposition under pressure. But yes, Azam Khan needs to learn a lot,” he added.

Moin Khan sheds light on Azam Khan’s inclusion in the team

When quizzed on why Azam was included in the squad rather than some of the other players, Moin stated that there was no competition in the team. Azam caught the attention of selectors by performing well in few domestic games wherein he scored a fifty too and scored at a strike rate of above 140.

“Making it to the national team is easier these days. Our era was different, competition was really tough. Unfortunately, there was no T20 back in those days. Today, you put in a couple of good performances and find yourself in the Pakistan team. Same with Azam Khan, it was rather easy for him to make it to the Pakistan team. But, to maintain his position, he will have to work really hard. Attitude, ethics and professional behavior separate the ordinary from the extraordinary players.”