Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has said that his son Azam Khaan’s confidence was dented by the way he was treated in the national team as well. However, Azam Khan played only one game at the T20 World Cup and he was dropped from the playing eleven after the shocking loss to the USA in Dallas. Having seen Pakistan’s poor campaign thereafter, Moin said that Azam would have done a good job for the team if he played.

“I watched the entire World Cup and the matches leading up to it, and it seemed like Azam was the number one choice for wicket-keeping and batting. Then suddenly, after just one match, the entire strategy was changed,” Moin was quoted as saying by PTI. “Azam wasn’t given a chance to keep wickets after one match and was dropped after getting out on the very first ball [against USA]. Any player can get out on the first ball, but here the tradition of developing players that used to exist is no longer there. Whether it’s the captain or the management, if they make such quick changes to players, how can we produce good players?” he asked.

While holding the selection policies primarily responsible, Moin Khan also said that his son had his own shortcomings, especially in fitness, for which he has faced criticism too.

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“I’m not saying that all the blame lies with the team management and the captain; Azam has his own shortcomings too,” Moin said. “He needs to make himself physically and mentally stronger, and follow the fitness routines of other sportsmen. For the past month or so, I’ve noticed he’s been working hard to improve his fitness with his trainer Shehzar Mohammad, even taking him along to the Caribbean [Premier] League. I hope Azam has learned a lot from this experience.”

Meanwhile, Moin Khan also backed Shaheen Afridi to be appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Afridi, who has led Lahore Qalandars to two PSL titles so far, took over the T20I side and led in the 50-over format following Babar Azam’s resignation at the end of the ODI World Cup last year. However, Babar was reinstated after giving Shaheen only one series in charge.

“Shaheen Afridi has the ability to lead the team and is highly liked by the players. He is an excellent choice for captaincy in T20s,” Moin Khan said. “In white-ball cricket, I don’t see anyone else suitable for the role. Removing him from the captaincy was unjust. Players may not listen to their captain if there are constant changes. If the cricket board provides full support to the captain and assures them of a long-term responsibility, the team’s performance will improve.”