[EXCLUSIVE] "I want to play for USA now": Hammad Azam

[FearlessRoar]

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

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.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[gazza619]

Will struggle to find a place in the US team.

 

[pakistani pride]

Long list of players who were just not good enough.
Highlights the serious lack of talent last 10 years or so.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Will struggle to find a place in the US team.

atleast will earn something good to secure his future.

 

[pakistani pride]

atleast will earn something good to secure his future.

What is the pay there?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

atleast will earn something good to secure his future.

Consistent cold shouldering leaves no choice, should have taken this decision earlier

 

[ads101]

We made a huge mistake with him. He was a star in u19 cricket, the only allrounder that stood out. He even did pretty well in domestic and got better there over time. We should have persisted with him and given him a long run of many chances. He had the most potential out of the lot to develop into a good allrounder. Instead we didn’t really develop any genuine allrounders after razzaq. And it’s not like there was a wealth of options we could play in the no.7 slot.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

What is the pay there?

no idea but must be better than what he was earning here in Pakistan.

 

[moghul]

He got famous after his match winning knock against India in under 19 WC and that was the only reason he was in consideration . He was truly a bits and pieces player at domestic level. He had no future in cricket in Pakistan . In USA he can earn some decent earning

 

[BouncerGuy]

Every player who got ignored by PCB, now wants to move to USA. This is so sad but on the other hand, i would say that this is what is best for him and the other players.

IF you have no future in Pakistan, make your future somewhere else.

 

[khyberlion]

He got famous after his match winning knock against India in under 19 WC and that was the only reason he was in consideration . He was truly a bits and pieces player at domestic level. He had no future in cricket in Pakistan . In USA he can earn some decent earning

Precisely he was a very average performer at domestic level and he was bowling at 120kph at best.

 

[Major]

Sohail Tanvir played a huge role in destroying this guys career

 

[Major]

He got famous after his match winning knock against India in under 19 WC and that was the only reason he was in consideration . He was truly a bits and pieces player at domestic level. He had no future in cricket in Pakistan . In USA he can earn some decent earning

That is true, but Hammad also was destroyed by Pindi region and which is why i say department cricket is important.

Had Hammad been recruited by SNGPL he could had been developed properly by the international stars there.

In Pindi, Sohail Tanvir was the captain, and back in 2010-2015 era, your selection to the national team depended upon how you performed on TV matches of t20. In every TV match played, Mr. Sohail Tanvir (a bowler), would promote himself at no.6 no.5 and no.4 try to show that he is an all arounder and miss a few, connect a few..... Hammad Azam's turn would always than get shifted down.

Furhtermore, Pindi region didnt develop players. Sabih Azhar is a cancer to pindi cricket as he ddint develop players and if any of his Pindi player joined a department, Sabih used to take that personal and use his links through Shakil SHeikh not to get the player selected in domestic cricket.

Departments at the other hand used to develop players. They only kept a staff of people that were inteerested in developing players rather than playing for their own spot.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Every player who got ignored by PCB, now wants to move to USA. This is so sad but on the other hand, i would say that this is what is best for him and the other players.

IF you have no future in Pakistan, make your future somewhere else.

His kids will send him prayers for making this move

 

[samiakh]

After his last 2 FC seasons he should have gotten a long run as a batting allrounder in tests. Instead we went with Faheem Ashraf who was neither here nor there. I think Hammad could have made it as a solid 6 or 7 and a 5th bowler in tests. He is spot on about Mohd Wasim, given how well he knew him he should have backed him for a few series, given his FC performances. To date we don’t have a proper batting allrounder who bowls medium pace.

 

[godofprogrammer]

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

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.

Watch the full interview here:

​

Well I guess, PCT has also moved on as far as his selection is concerned.

 

[smsaad]

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

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.

Watch the full interview here:

I watched his bowling in under 19 world cup. He got good swing at that time. I think it's good for him if he gets a chance in US team. Everyone has a right to earn money. If he's not getting selected in PCT then he has choice to play for other country.

 

[godofprogrammer]

I watched his bowling in under 19 world cup. He got good swing at that time. I think it's good for him if he gets a chance in US team. Everyone has a right to earn money. If he's not getting selected in PCT then he has choice to play for other country.

Exactly mate, everyone has the right to do whatever they like according to their preferences.I have analyzed his career closely but I hope this decision will make him happy for the rest of his life. Wishing him all the best.

 

[gazza619]

Sohail Tanvir played a huge role in destroying this guys career

How?

 

[mazkhan]

Judging at the amount of whiteness on his beard chin he's probably not 33 but more 37-40 yrs old , probably one of the reason career stagnated because of age fudging.

 

[mango_bite77]

Sohail Tanvir played a huge role in destroying this guys career

Tanvir was 10x better bowler than him.

 

[Mohraheem]

Misbah ruined his career

 

[Savak]

He was bowling at the same pace in his youthful prime as Abdul Razzaq was at the climax of his career.

 

[moghul]

He was bowling at the same pace in his youthful prime as Abdul Razzaq was at the climax of his career.

You must be joking , Hammad was 120-125 km/h bowler and Razzaq was bowling around 135 km/h at his peak.

 

[topspin]

He was bowling at the same pace in his youthful prime as Abdul Razzaq was at the climax of his career.

Utter nonsense. Youthful Razzaq was bowling 140+.

 

[topspin]

You must be joking , Hammad was 120-125 km/h bowler and Razzaq was bowling around 135 km/h at his peak.

I know right. I saw Razzaq before he became a trundler. He was bowling 140+.

 

[Major]

Btw there is too much politics in USA cricket. There are a few desi indians involved in it which has caused alot of controversy regarding it. Like during the last world cup, they never replaced their injured player. So lets see if Hammad gets a chance, because i doubt it with the politics in play.

There was a journalist that used to cover USA criceket on facebook and has reported alot on the issues that exist there.