Shaheed Afridi Questions Azam Khan's Fitness Ahead of T20 World Cup

The Pakistan cricket team has announced its squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Babar Azam returning as captain after a brief stint by Shaheen Afridi. The squad features a blend of experienced players and rising stars, but former captain Shaheed Afridi has expressed concerns about the fitness of wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan.

Afridi, known for his outspoken nature, believes that Khan's fitness is not up to the mark for international cricket. He pointed out that Khan's body language on the field, particularly while batting, bowling, and fielding, indicates a lack of fitness.

"Fitness is the main thing," Afridi said. "If you are fit, your body language gives it away on the ground. You can't compromise on fitness."

Afridi also raised concerns about Khan's wicketkeeping abilities in the West Indies, where the ball tends to stay low. He believes that Khan may struggle to keep against spinners in those conditions.

"In England, the ball carries behind the stumps," Afridi explained. "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."

Despite his concerns, Afridi emphasized that he supports the team and wants to see them succeed at the World Cup. He urged the players to focus on their performance and not be distracted by outside criticism.

"As a senior, my wish is to support every player as the team is going for the World Cup," Afridi said. "After the World Cup, we can discuss and criticize. But for now, I only want to support the boys and want to make sure that they don't get any such message where they feel, 'We are going for the World Cup and this is what Shahid bhai is talking about.'"

The Pakistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:

* Babar Azam (captain)

* Abrar Ahmed

* Azam Khan

* Fakhar Zaman

* Haris Rauf

* Iftikhar Ahmed

* Imad Wasim

* Mohammad Abbas Afridi

* Mohammad Amir

* Mohammad Rizwan

* Naseem Shah

* Saim Ayub

* Shadab Khan

* Shaheen Shah Afridi

* Usman Khan

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #T20WorldCup, #ShaheedAfridi, #AzamKhan, #FitnessConcerns