Pakistan was eliminated from the event after failing to earn enough points to advance to the Super-8s, losing two consecutive matches against the United States and India. It defeated Canada by seven wickets in New York, with one unimportant match against Ireland on Sunday.
Mohammad Hafeez, the former director of the Pakistan cricket team, has expressed his concerns about Azam Khan’s fitness and performance in a recent interview with a local news channel. Hafeez stated that Azam Khan’s lack of physical fitness is a major issue that needs to be addressed.”The entire Pakistan team can run two kilometers in 10 minutes, but Azam Khan would take 20 minutes to complete the same distance,” Hafeez said. “Unfortunately, Azam Khan is not demonstrating the seriousness required for international cricket. Being underweight or overweight is not the main issue for me, but meeting the physical demands of the game is essential.”Hafeez further revealed that the team management had provided Azam Khan with a fitness plan, which he failed to follow. “Talent alone isn’t enough; fitness responsiveness is critical. He’s the only player whose fitness we’ve compromised on,” Hafeez added.
Azam Khan made his T20I debut in 2021 but has struggled to make an impact, scoring only 88 runs since his debut. His poor form continued in the T20 World Cup, where he was dismissed for a golden duck in his first match, drawing criticism from former Pakistan players and fans.Hafeez’s comments highlight the concerns about Azam Khan’s fitness and dedication to the sport.
Despite his talent, Azam Khan’s lack of physical fitness is hindering his performance, and he needs to take his fitness seriously to succeed at the international level.The Pakistan cricket team has been working hard to improve their fitness standards, and Azam Khan’s struggles are a reminder that fitness is a critical aspect of the game. Hafeez’s comments are a wake-up call for Azam Khan, and he needs to take his fitness seriously to revive his career.
