Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has said the casino controversy in 2015 was wrongly portrayed in front of general public.

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, the former Pakistan chief selector admitted that he did go to the casino in Christchurch during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but brushed aside any wrongdoing.

“It is past now. Only regret of that scandal I have was that it was portrayed very wrongly,” said Khan. “I went to casino, I never denied it. Going to the casino is not prohibited unless and until you are not taking part in any illegal activity. It got unnecessary hype and icing of the cake was that people who did not have any clue about it started to talk about it.”

Khan — who has also served as head coach of Pakistan team — backed Sarfraz Ahmed as captain and suggested that he should lead the team in the upcoming World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.

“I have always backed a player who is good for Pakistan. Obviously, there are times when a player is underperforming but it doesn’t mean that he is not capable. I always backed Sarfraz as player,” he said. “I have close relation with him even before he became a part of under-19 team. The team is playing as a unit under his captaincy and he is a great leader. He has proven that in the past and he will prove it again.”

The 49-year-old also declared Pakistan as favourites to win the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

“I think Pakistan have a strong chance in England. We have a good record in those conditions and another thing we have quite a big fan following their in shape of a large Pakistani community. Winning the Champions Trophy there in 2017, is another advantage for us. In my opinion they are favourites to win the upcoming tournament,” he said.

While giving his suggestion regarding a second wicketkeeper in the team, Khan said that it is not necessary to carry one with the team on shorter tours. It can also backfire, especially when your captain is a wicketkeeper himself.

“Carrying a second wicketkeeper in the team is not necessary on shorter tours. As we all know Mohammad Rizwan is surely the successor of Sarfraz. Despite that, carrying him with the team can backfire. It will be an added pressure on Sarfraz. Instead of taking him on every single tour, I suggest take him on and off. It would not put pressure on Sarfraz and also Rizwan will remain in touch with the team,” he said.

Talking about Pakistan Super League franchise Quetta Gladiators — where he works as head coach — he said this time he has emphasised on only picking up those cricketers who are willing to come and play in Pakistan.

“I took a very serious stance and suggested to the board that those players who are not valuing your country or your league, should not be part of PSL season four drafts,” said Khan — who represented Pakistan in 69 Tests and 219 One-Day Internationals. “Mostly our foreign players have agreed to come in Pakistan. Still we haven’t talked to Shane Watson. I hope he would come as he has seen players come and play in Pakistan.”

Commenting on Pakistan and India cricket ties, he said it is quite unfortunate for cricket fans that both arch-rivals are not playing with each other. He hoped that the cricket ties will revive once again in near future.

“It was quite unfortunate for the game and fans, that they are missing the Pakistan-India cricket. I hope with a new government here and bearing in mind that elections are just around the corner in India as well, the fans will see the revival of cricket between both countries very soon,” the former Pakistan captain said.