Former Pakistan cricketer, Mohammad Hafeez has shed light on the decision to drop Azam Khan from the playing squad after just three matches during the T20I tour of New Zealand.
While talking on a local sports show, Hafeez disclosed that the team management had made it clear to Azam that he was not being dropped permanently.
“We’ve given clarity to him (Azam Khan) that he is not going anywhere,” Hafeez said.
Speaking on a personal note, Hafeez expressed his desire to provide Azam with more opportunities. However, after evaluating his performance in the initial three matches, the management concluded that he was not meeting the required standards.
“Personally, I wanted to give him more matches, but after 3 matches, we thought that he’s not performing well enough so that his confidence doesn’t shatter to the extent that he can’t make a comeback, because you know nowadays social media comes after you immediately after one or two performances.” he further added.
The strategic plan for Azam Khan involved giving him a consistent run in the team until the upcoming World Cup.
“The plan was that we’ll play him, give him a full run, till the World Cup he’s not going anywhere,” Hafeez said.
Despite being dropped from the New Zealand tour, Hafeez reassured that Azam would have ample opportunities to regain form and confidence.
“So the 3-4 matches he got here (New Zealand), New Zealand’s team is coming here in April and then we’re going to England so he will get those 10 to 15 matches before the World Cup,” Hafeez further said.
Lastly, Hafeez emphasized the importance of sticking to the planned strategy for Azam Khan’s development.
“And if you don’t provide him those opportunities then you’re going against the plan you’ve set,” he concluded.
