Azam Khan has become one of Pakistan’s brightest young stars in recent years. The 25-year-old has represented Pakistan in his nascent T20I career.
However, he has struggled to replicate his domestic form and his fitness level has largely been in the news. With his weight exceeding 100 kg, Azam’s weaknesses are physical strength and running between the wickets.
Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan, is a wicketkeeper and a middle-order batsman. Khan is a hard hitter and has experience playing his T20 cricket in domestic leagues in Asia, West Indies and Canada.
In a recent interview, Azam Khan spoke about the inability of Pakistan’s coaches to get the best out of him. He said that his franchise’s coaches in various T20 leagues know how to get the best out of him, but the Pakistan cricket team’s coach does not.
Former Pakistan internationals Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali and others reacted to Azam Khan’s bold claim. Here’s what the trio had to say about the 25-year-old.
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What did Misbah-ul-Haq say about Azam Khan’s claims about Pakistan’s coach?
in a conversation with sports tv, Misbah-ul-Haq spoke about Azam Khan’s tenure in Pakistan and recent comments. Misbah said it was unfair to compare international cricket and franchise sports.
“Although Azam has not played enough for Pakistan, he is getting consistent game time with his respective franchise at the domestic T20 level,” the former Pakistan captain added.
“During my time there (with the Pakistan team), I never gave him any advice about his batting style. But he needs a basic level of fitness to play in the T20 format,” Misbah said. told Sports.
โUnfortunately, it will not be possible for Azam Khan to maintain a certain level of fitness, which is sad even for us. Azam Khan, who is at No. 5 or 6 in the batting order, is currently the best player in Pakistan. “I wish him the best, but he needs to improve his discipline,” the 49-year-old concluded.
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Misbah, Hafeez and Azhar on Azam Khan’s recent interview. The panel, including Hafeez, makes a very valid point here.It’s very appropriate that you brought this up on the panel. @falamb3 ๐
๐นCourtesy of clip @asportstvpk #QGvIU #HBLPSL9โฆ pic.twitter.com/q5IVurjbgTโ Kamran Ali (@Kam007_tweet) February 22, 2024
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What did Mohammad Hafeez say to Azam Khan as team director?
Mohammad Hafeez took charge of Pakistan cricket team immediately after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He remained in the position for four months, during which time Azam Khan played for Pakistan in a T20I in New Zealand.
“I called Azam Khan a month and a half to two months ago when I took over as director of the Pakistan team,” Hafeez revealed.
“You have to compromise on fitness, but you have to work hard. You have to improve. I am against body shaming,” Hafeez said.
Hafeez revealed how Azam Khan was unable to improve his fitness level despite being kept under control by the Pakistan team. He mentioned how the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) punted Azam Khan despite his fitness level.
For me, slim or oversized is never an issue, but you have to approach it according to your gaming needs. You need to bring your fitness to the required level. We gave him a fitness plan but he (Azam) could not improve.
You’re in the team because you’re talented, but when it comes to fitness, you have to respond. You were the only one on the team who compromised on fitness.
How did Mohammad Hafeez react to Azam Khan’s recent comments?
Mohammad Hafeez revealed how Azam Khan gave him confidence despite his inability to perform in the Pakistan jersey.
I promise you, I gave him all my trust. I gave him a clear explanation and took care of him. Even when he didn’t perform, I supported him and gave him confidence.
Regarding Azam Khan’s comments favoring coaches in the T20 league, Hafeez made some strange remarks. He mentioned how international cricket is a vast ocean, but the T20 league has limited options for overseas players.
We have selected four overseas players in the T20 league who will play regularly despite being our first choice. In international cricket, other players are knocking on the door.
