Mohammad Hafeez destroyed Azam Khan with a brutal piece of criticism, for Azam Khan‘s , the wicket keeper batter for Pakistan for his poor fitness during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Pakistan clinched their first T20 World Cup 2024 victory on Tuesday, beating Canada by seven wickets in New York. The Babar Azam-led side began their campaign with a shock Super Over defeat against co-hosts USA, followed by a six-run loss to arch-rivals India.
Azam Khan has been criticized for his fitness and form in this tournament, and he has failed to justify his selection too. The wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has also been dropped, and is not expected to get back into the playing XI in this tournament.
Azam Khan’s performance in T20 since 2021
Azam Khan made his T20I debut in 2021, and has only registered 88 runs. Azam Khan was also dismissed for a golden duck on his T20 World Cup debut and has been the focus of criticism for former Pakistan players and fans.
Pakistan are third in Group A with two points in three matches, behind second-placed USA (four points). USA’s defeat against India with 10 balls to spare makes the net run rate equation indifferent in Group A. Pakistan are ahead of the USA, with a net run rate of +0.191, compared to the co-hosts’ +0.127.
Pakistan can qualify for the Super 8s even if they beat Ireland in a Super Over and if Ireland defeated USA. They can also reach the next stage if they defeat Ireland and USA lose to them, and the margin of the win doesn’t matter. Meanwhile for USA, they need at least a point or they need Babar and Co. to drop a point. The biggest worry for Pakistan will be the weather in Lauderhill for these crucial fixtures. If one of them gets washed out, USA will reach the Super 8s.
Former Pakistan men’s cricket team director Mohammad Hafeez has questioned Azam Khan’s commitment to international cricket.
Mohammad Hafeez slams Azam Khan’s fitness level in T20 World Cup.
Former Pakistan men’s cricket team director Mohammad Hafeez has questioned Azam Khan’s commitment to international cricket. The ex-Pakistan captain said that the youngster would need about 20 minutes to cover two kilometers during running drills.
Azam’s fitness has been a major talking point over the last few weeks as Pakistan struggle to deliver good performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The 25-year-old’s poor keeping and batting have forced the management to axe him from the XI.
Speaking to a local news channel, Hafeez claimed:
“The whole Pakistan team can cover two kilometers in 10 minutes while Azam Khan will take 20 minutes to cover the distance. Sadly, Azam Khan is not serious in playing the international cricket.”
Azam made his international debut in 2021, but has managed only 88 runs in 14 T20Is at 8.80 alongside a best of 30*. He also perished for a golden duck on his T20 World Cup debut.
Azam Khan failed to improve his fitness levels even after given a fixed plan.
Hafeez further reminded that the selectors have compromised on fitness levels to accommodate Azam in the team, adding:
“Being lean or oversize is never an issue for me, but you need to work according to the needs of the game. You need to bring your fitness to a required level. We gave him a fitness plan, but he [Azam] could not improve. You are in the team because of your talent, but you need to respond in case of fitness. You are the only one in the team on whom we have compromised on the grounds of fitness.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan face the prospect of getting eliminated early from the T20 World Cup this year. After losing to USA and Team India, the Men in Green beat Canada, but their qualification chances appear slim, especially as rain is expected in Florida, were Pakistan will face Ireland on Sunday, June 16.