In an exclusive interview with PakPassion, Hammad Azam, once a shining prospect for Pakistan cricket, opened up to Mohammad Aizaz about his career journey.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

By Mohammad Aizaz (08-12-2024)

He discussed the challenges of living up to expectations, his struggles in domestic cricket, and the bold decision to pursue his cricketing dreams in the United States.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Fast-Tracked into the National Side: He reflects on his early promotion to Pakistan’s senior side after a stellar U19 career. Was the decision too hasty? Did it affect his long-term career? He shares his candid thoughts on balancing talent with readiness.

Comparisons with Abdul Razzaq: As a promising all-rounder, he often faced comparisons to Pakistan legend Abdul Razzaq. He discusses the pressure of living up to that legacy and how it influenced his performance and mindset during his career.

Performances in Domestic Cricket: He delves into his domestic cricket career, discussing his standout moments and the struggles he faced in establishing himself consistently at the top level. He explains how these experiences shaped his cricketing skills and personality.

The Asia Cup 2012 Final: A career-defining moment for him was the Asia Cup 2012 final, where Pakistan emerged victorious. He recounts the highs and lows of playing on such a massive stage and how the experience enriched his journey as a cricketer.

Last Domestic Season in Pakistan: He sheds light on his decision to leave Pakistan cricket, detailing the reasons behind his departure during his final domestic season. He discusses what prompted him to seek opportunities abroad and how he feels about that decision today.

On MLC and USA Cricket: After moving to the United States, he has been part of the burgeoning cricket scene in the USA. He talks about the growth of Major League Cricket (MLC), the challenges of adapting to a new system, and his role in promoting cricket in a non-traditional cricketing nation.

Representing the USA National Team: He expresses his ambitions to represent the USA National Team and how he sees this as a fresh start to his international career. He shares his excitement about contributing to a growing cricket culture in the USA.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tussle Between PCB and BCCI: He highlights the importance of principled decisions and the potential impact on the cricketing world.

https://youtu.be/QYIXkSVRN0s?si=yxU76d2EWCLzwC0Y