• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Never Let Him Get Anywhere Near Pakistan Team Afridi Slams Azam Khan For Poor Fitness

'Never Let Him Get Anywhere Near Pakistan Team,' Afridi Slams Azam Khan For Poor Fitness

Azam Khan in action [X.com]Azam Khan in action [X.com]

Pakistan's legendary former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has severely criticised keeper-batter Azam Khan for his poor fitness standards. 

Despite performing consistently in the domestic circuit, Azam has never lived up to his potential in international cricket, amassing only 88 runs across eleven T20I innings. However, besides his poor batting form, Azam has faced massive backlash for his fitness. 

As quoted by InsideSport, Afridi reckoned that Azam would struggle while keeping in the T20 World Cup as the ball would be staying low on the Caribbean pitches. 

He went slightly overboard with his criticism, stating he would never allow the batter to play for Pakistan. 

“Fitness is the main thing. If you are fit, your body language gives it away on the ground, be it while batting, bowling, or fielding. You can’t compromise on fitness. I would never let Azam Khan get anywhere near the team as far as fitness is concerned,” Afridi said. 

“In England, the ball carries behind the stumps (while keeping). But when they’ll go to the West Indies, the ball won’t carry as much there, it will keep low. I hope he doesn’t struggle, but I am worried about his keeping against spinners in West Indian conditions with this fitness, because the ball stays low there and you have to keep your body low as well,” he added. 

However, despite being unimpressive with the bat, Azam has been included in Pakistan's squad for the marquee event where they will take on the United States in their opening game on June 6.