Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper-batsman Moin Khan, in a video released by the Quetta Gladiators’ official YouTube channel on Friday, reacted to the selection of hard-hitting youngster Azam Khan into the national squad by stating that it was a big achievement for the Quetta Gladiators franchise.

The 49-year-old, who is the head coach of Quetta Gladiators, credited the entire team management for his son’s maiden call-up for the national men’s squad.

“The first thing is that a player from the Quetta Gladiators side is making his way into the national team. Which is a big thing for me as the head coach and our entire Quetta Gladiators’ family. I think the most credit should go to Nadeem Omar [Quetta’s owner] who picked Azam Khan for the first time. Nobody picked him and nobody could identify this talent and he picked him purely on the basis of merit and talent,” Khan said.

“The way Azam Khan has performed in different leagues throughout the world and the PSL was how he made his place in the side. As the head coach of Quetta Gladiators, I am very happy. Our entire team management deserves praise for this achievement because it is because of everyone’s effort. Naturally the efforts of the player are important but motivation comes from the team management and individuals playing different roles in the side. I think this is a big achievement for the Quetta Gladiators team,” he added.

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The former wicketkeeper-batsman thanked Allah for his son’s selection and revealed that his entire family was really happy with Azam Khan’s selection.

“As a father all my prayers are for him. I am really grateful to Allah. The second generation of our family will be stepping in for Pakistan. Naturally the pressure and responsibility is bound to increase along with the expectations on Azam Khan. To maintain it and improve he will have to work extra hard. This is a big reward from Allah if your passion becomes your profession and ultimately you get what you have wished for,” he said. 

“Every kid who has played cricket in the country wants to represent Pakistan but staying in the national side is a very hard task. You need to work really hard and have to sustain a place in the side based on merit. As a father, me and my entirely are really happy that Azam Khan got selected,” he concluded.