Tom Moody Archives

‘No question about his capabilities,’ Tom Moody heaps high praise on Fakhar Zaman

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody, who is serving as the Director of Cricket for Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20), has lauded the capabilities of explosive Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman.

Currently, Fakhar is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he is set to represent Desert Vipers, alongside his compatriots Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir, for the 2025 season of the ILT20, which will kick off later today.

Moody, during an interview, expressed excitement to work with the Pakistani opening batter, while acknowledging Fakhar’s power-hitting abilities.

“At the end of the day, as long as he [Fakhar Zaman] is delivering for the Desert Vipers, that’s a real bonus for us,” Moody stated.

“We know he’s an exciting player and what he can bring to the table.

“That’s why we embraced the opportunity to have him as part of our squad. There’s no question about his capabilities and the impact he can have as a player. We welcome him wholeheartedly.”

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Tom Moody took the time to discuss Fakhar’s fitness status, noting that he appeared to be in excellent shape and fully prepared for the upcoming tournament.

“He looks great in the net sessions. He’s fitted in perfectly and has trained really well. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that Fakhar Zaman recently revealed that he had been excluded from Pakistan’s white-ball team due to health issues following the T20 World Cup 2024.

However, he has recovered and is now focusing on making a strong comeback for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“I have recovered 100% and you will see me in the next international series which Pakistan plays,” he said.

“Actually, many people do not know this, but after the T20 World Cup, I got sick and due to my medical condition, I was not fit, so I was not part of the team.”

READ: Imam-ul-Haq, Abrar Ahmed named in Pakistan squad for West Indies Tests

Former Australian cricketer hails Azam Khan as a ‘rare player’

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody, who is serving as the Director of Cricket for Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20), has heaped high praise on explosive Pakistan wicket-keeper Azam Khan.

The young wicket-keeper is part of the Desert Vipers squad, alongside his compatriots Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Amir, for the 2025 season of the ILT20, which will kick off later today.

Moody, during an interview, acknowledged Azam’s batting abilities and expressed hope that he would prove to be a real asset for Desert Vipers this season.

“We all know what he [Azam Khan] is capable of doing. He’s one of those rare players who, from ball one, can hit the ball out of the ground,” Tom Moody stated.

“Having players like that in this format of the game is a real bonus. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to having a really impactful season for us.”

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Moody also praised Mohammad Amir, highlighting his quality while expressing excitement to work with the Pakistan pacer again.

“Amir is an outstanding bowler. He was with us last year, and we know what he’s capable of. I’ve worked with Amir in other tournaments, and he’s a real asset,” he said.

“There’s no question about his quality and class as a quick bowler. It’s exciting to have him with us again.”

For the unversed, Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir represented Desert Vipers in the last season as well. Amir returned with 12 wickets in nine games at an average of 21.08.

Meanwhile, Azam smashed 159 runs in seven innings at an average of 31.80 and a whopping strike-rate of 176.66.

READ: Tamim Iqbal retires from international cricket again

Sri Lanka part ways with Australian Moody ahead of World Cup

COLOMBO: Australian former international Tom Moody is set to leave his post as Sri Lanka’s director of cricket, officials said on Monday, weeks before the T20 World Cup.

The 56-year-old’s three-year contract is being terminated by “mutual agreement”, Mohan de Silva, secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), told AFP.

A senior cricket source who did not wish to be named said that SLC “could not afford his fees in the long run”, despite having savings of over $40 million.

“We also feel we need a person who is more hands-on, who can spend more time in Sri Lanka,” the source added.

The source said that the former Test player was paid $1,850 a day plus expenses for the 100 days a year he was expected to spend in the country, which is suffering its worst economic downturn.

Moody will leave by the end of this month or before the T20 World Cup starts in Australia next month, another source said.

Former Sri Lanka head coach Moody was appointed director of cricket in February last year to help prepare the team for the T20 World Cup and the 50-over version in India in 2023.

There was no immediate comment from the Australian, who last month said that he was taking a similar director of cricket post at Desert Vipers in the newly formed UAE-based International League T20.

Under Moody, Sri Lanka emerged earlier this month as surprise winners of the Asia Cup, seen as a tune-up for the World Cup.

As director of cricket Moody drew up a performance-based pay structure which was resisted by the national squad.

But they were eventually forced to cave in following threats that they would be dropped unless they agreed.

Sri Lanka has faced acute shortages of food, fuel and medicines since late last year, but Sri Lanka Cricket remains flush with cash, according to board officials.

Last week it donated half a million dollars to a cancer hospital which is desperately in need of life-saving medicines and medical equipment.

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