I fail to understand Azam Khan's selection as a proper wicketkeeper-batsman in Pakistan's T20 WC squad: Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has questioned the selection committee of Pakistan for some surprising picks in their squad for the T20 World Cup 2021. Pakistan recently announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming high-profile event which will take place in October-November. Pakistan squad excluded senior players like Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz but Latif raised an extremely important point.

Latif questioned the selection of Azam Khan in the team and that too as a pure wicketkeeper. Latif added that he fails to understand the selection of Azam as proper wicketkeeping-batsman but it would have not been an issue if he was roped in as a pure batsman in the squad.

“I have no issues with the selection of Azam Khan. He’s a talented lad and a very good inclusion. However, I fail to understand his selection as a proper wicket-keeper batsman in the squad. I wouldn’t have argued if Azam was selected as a batsman only. Sarfaraz has been traveling with the team and suddenly he’s out of everywhere. It means your selection policy has failed because Azam doesn’t merit a place in the squad as a wicket-keeper batsman,” said Latif in an ARY News program.

Mohammad Wasim answers Rashid Latif’s question related to T20 WC

While answering Latif’s question, Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim added that not doubt Sarfaraz was traveling with the team from a long time but they now had to pick only a 15-man squad instead of 20. Hence, Azam Khan looked more appropriate to fill the spot in Pakistan’s middle order. Pakistan will play their first match of the T20 World Cup in the UAE against India on October 24.

“I understand your point Rashid [Bhai]. If you look at our previous tours, we were allowed to pick a squad of more than 20. Both Azam and Sarfaraz have been traveling with the team. This time around, we are only allowed to pick a squad of 15 with three reserve players. So, we think that Azam fits in that late middle-order better than any other keeper at the moment,” said Wasim in reply to Latif’s question.