Cricket

Azam Khan, the Pakistani batter, has been making waves in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with his powerful shots and game-changing abilities. However, his career has been marred by concerns about his fitness levels, which have also contributed to his exclusion from the national team.Moin Khan, Azam's father and a former wicketkeeper-batter for Pakistan, has criticized Ramiz Raja, the ex-chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), for hindering his son's progress. Moin believes that Raja's decision to exclude Azam from the squad prior to the T20 World Cup in 2021 was a major setback."In the 2022 (2021) World Cup, Azam was also selected for the team, but Ramiz Raja dropped him. At that time, if the chief selector had made a wrong selection, he should have been removed, but they didn't have the courage, and as a result, they demoralized a young player," Moin told Cricket Pakistan.Moin also expressed his disapproval regarding the choice to drop Azam from the squad after a single game. The promising wicketkeeper-batsman failed to score in the match against USA, which resulted in Pakistan's unexpected loss."I watched the entire World Cup and the matches leading up to it, and it seemed like Azam was the number one choice for wicketkeeping and batting. Then suddenly, after just one match, the entire strategy was changed. Azam wasn't given a chance to keep wickets after one match and was dropped after getting out on the very first ball," he said.However, Moin emphasized that Azam needs to become "physically and mentally" stronger to maintain his performance at the highest level."I'm not saying that all the blame lies with the team management and the captain; Azam has his own shortcomings too. He needs to make himself physically and mentally stronger, follow the fitness routines of other sportsmen. For the past month or so, I've noticed he's been working hard to improve his fitness with his trainer Shehzar Mohammad, even taking him along to the Caribbean League," said Moin.

Pakistan's Azam Khan Suffers Neck Injury in CPL, Raises Fitness ConcernsPakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan endured a harrowing experience during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Friday, sustaining a blow to his neck that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.Playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, Azam faced a menacing bouncer from Shamar Springer. Attempting to pull the ball towards the leg side, he missed the connection and the ball struck him flush on the neck.The impact sent Azam crashing to the ground, clutching his neck in agony. As he lay prone, the ball rolled towards the stumps, and in a desperate attempt to prevent a dismissal, Azam reached out and flicked it away. However, his bat and the ball hit the stumps simultaneously, resulting in a bizarre dismissal.The incident left the Guyana Amazon Warriors reeling at 77/4 in their chase of 169. Medical personnel rushed to Azam's aid, providing immediate attention. The unsettling nature of his dismissal raised concerns about his fitness and form.Azam, who has struggled to find consistent success on the international stage, was part of Pakistan's ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad but failed to make an impact. His injury in the CPL has cast further doubt on his ability to contribute to the national team.Despite the setback, the Guyana Amazon Warriors managed to secure a last-ball victory, thanks to crucial cameos from Romario Shephard and Dwaine Pretorius. However, Azam's dismissal overshadowed the match, leaving a lingering sense of worry about his well-being.

Azam Khan, the son of legendary Pakistani wicketkeeper Moin Khan, has faced intense criticism and trolling following his disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup and subsequent actions.Khan's inclusion in the Pakistan team raised eyebrows, with many questioning his fitness and weight. In his maiden T20 World Cup outing against the United States, he was dismissed for a first-ball duck. He was subsequently dropped for the crucial match against India, which Pakistan lost by a narrow margin.After the match, a video surfaced on social media showing Khan eating street food late at night in New York. This sparked further outrage among fans and critics, who accused him of unprofessionalism.Former Pakistan captain and Team Director Mohammad Hafeez has now revealed shocking details about Khan's behavior. Hafeez, who was sacked by the PCB after a disappointing tour of Australia and New Zealand, had supported Khan during his tenure. However, he was left disappointed by the young player's lack of commitment.Hafeez stated that he had given Khan a six-week fitness program, but the player failed to follow it. He also criticized Khan's running abilities, which were significantly below the rest of the team."I found that this guy is not ready to play international cricket," Hafeez said. "I told him again that if you want to play for Pakistan, you need to show more commitment. But I didn't see that commitment in him."Khan has played 14 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring just 88 runs at an average of 8.80. His poor form and unprofessional conduct have raised serious doubts about his future in the national team.

Azam Khan, the Pakistan cricket star, has come under fire for his poor form and fitness. After a disappointing series against England, Khan failed to impress in Pakistan's first match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA. He was subsequently dropped from the team for their loss against India.Amidst the criticism, a video has emerged on social media showing a man resembling Khan eating fast food in New York. While the man's face is not clearly visible, many believe it to be Khan. The video has sparked further controversy, with fans and former players expressing their disappointment.Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been particularly critical of Khan's performance. "Azam... he's not helping his cause," Akram said. "He didn't field for 8 overs. He played as a pinch-hitter, but he couldn't come with Fakhar because he sat out for 8 overs. I just couldn't understand that."Another former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi, has suggested changes to the team's playing XI, including the possible exclusion of Khan. Pakistan's struggles in the T20 World Cup have raised concerns about their chances of advancing to the next stage.Khan's poor form and fitness have become a major talking point in Pakistan. Fans and experts alike are questioning his place in the team and his ability to contribute at the highest level. The video of him eating fast food has only added to the controversy, further tarnishing his reputation.As Pakistan continues its T20 World Cup campaign, Khan's future with the team remains uncertain. His performance in the remaining matches will be crucial in determining whether he can regain the trust of the selectors and the fans.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan faced severe criticism on social media after being dismissed for a golden duck in the T20 World Cup 2024 match against the United States. Khan's poor form has been a subject of scrutiny, with fans and experts alike expressing their disappointment.During the T20I series against England, Khan's low scores and fielding errors drew criticism. In the T20 World Cup opener, he came to the crease with Pakistan under pressure and was trapped LBW by Nosthush Kenjige on the first ball.Social media users were quick to blast Khan for his performance, with some referring to the "nepotism" debate surrounding him. Khan is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, and some have questioned whether his selection is based on merit."If Nepotism & forced entry had a face..Azam Khan.. BUT PCB has no shame..," tweeted one user.Another user commented, "Azam Khan is a player whom cricket history will never forget."Despite the criticism, Pakistan captain Babar Azam defended Khan's selection, stating that he plays on merit."Azam Khan plays on merit," Azam tweeted.The United States, led by Monank Patel, won the toss and elected to bowl first. The US had a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Canada in their opening match.Pakistan, on the other hand, entered the tournament after a disappointing T20 series loss to England. The "Men in Green" were not in their best form but were determined to start their campaign on a positive note.Patel expressed his team's desire to play their best cricket, while Azam confirmed that Imad Wasim had suffered an injury and would not be playing against the US.

Pakistan's experienced pacer Mohammad Amir has expressed confidence in his teammates Shadab Khan and Azam Khan, who have been struggling for form ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan will kick off their campaign against co-hosts USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday.Amir acknowledged that both Shadab and Azam are key middle-order players for Pakistan and are capable of turning their fortunes around quickly. "They are one game away - the kind of players that they are, they can single-handedly win the match for you," Amir said.Shadab has been particularly out of touch, scoring just three runs in two matches against England and failing to make an impact with the ball. Azam, on the other hand, managed only 11 runs in two innings.Despite their recent struggles, Amir believes that both players have the ability to regain their form and make a significant contribution to Pakistan's World Cup campaign. "I always say that the player who has performed and proved himself never doubts his ability," Amir said. "Yes, there is a bad patch in cricket. And this happens with every cricketer. All the legends also if you see in the past, sometimes even they can't perform well."Amir, who reversed his retirement to feature in the World Cup, will be a key part of Pakistan's bowling attack alongside four other pacers. The 31-year-old has been in good form in the build-up series against Ireland and England.Pakistan will be hoping that Shadab and Azam can rediscover their form in time for the World Cup opener against USA. The Men in Green have been struggling to find the right balance and combination in the team, and a strong performance from their middle-order will be crucial to their chances of success.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has extended his support to under-fire wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan, who has faced relentless online trolling for his weight and recent poor performances.Azam, the son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan, has been subjected to body shaming and derogatory remarks on social media. Latif, however, has condemned the online abuse and defended Azam's abilities."He is under immense pressure. He is being body shamed, is being trolled. Azam is an exceptional batsman in T20s. He is a clean hitter, plays spinners well, and has worked on his game against the pacers," Latif told The Indian Express.Latif acknowledged Azam's limitations as a wicketkeeper, attributing it to his lack of experience rather than his fitness. He suggested that Mohammad Haris would have been a more suitable choice as a third wicketkeeper."I will not blame the player. Mohammad Haris is fit, more agile and in good form. If you wanted a third ‘keeper, he should have been the ideal choice," Latif said.Latif expressed concern over the prevalence of body shaming in society, emphasizing that Azam's physical appearance should not be a subject of ridicule."We live in a racist society. If someone’s skin colour is black, we call them kaalu. If someone is fair, we call them gora. If someone is tall he is a lambu, if someone is skinny he is a patlu. I feel bad for the kid, he is only 25. He doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this," Latif added.Azam's recent performances have been disappointing, with a string of low scores in international matches. He has also dropped several catches behind the stumps. Pakistan lost the 4-game T20I series against England 2-0 before the T20 World Cup.Despite his struggles, Latif believes that Azam has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Pakistan team. He urged the public to support Azam and provide him with the confidence he needs to succeed.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign is set to commence on June 6 against the co-hosts United States at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The Green Shirts, led by Babar Azam, are currently engaged in rigorous practice sessions to fine-tune their skills ahead of their tournament opener.During a recent training session, Babar Azam was seen using nicknames to maintain a light-hearted atmosphere. He playfully referred to Azam Khan, the son of legendary wicketkeeper Moin Khan, as "Gainda" (Rhino) due to his heavyset physique.Despite a recent dip in form, Babar Azam has urged his team to remain upbeat as they embark on their World Cup journey. Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, have consistently performed well in recent editions, reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and losing to England in the final in 2022.Pakistan is placed in Group A of the World Cup. Following their match against the US, they will face arch-rivals India in a highly-anticipated clash on June 9 in New York. Pakistan and India have faced each other seven times in the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan emerging victorious only once.The Green Shirts will be determined to improve their record against India and make a strong statement in the tournament. With a talented squad and a proven track record in the T20 format, Pakistan will be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been met with mixed reactions, particularly regarding the squad selection. One player who has faced significant criticism is Azam Khan, with former captain Shahid Afridi expressing concerns about his fitness.Amidst the controversy, a viral video has emerged showing the Pakistan team engaged in a training session. In the video, Babar Azam can be heard addressing Azam Khan with a term that has sparked debate among fans. Some believe he called him "Gainda," a slang for overweight people, while others suggest he used a different term.The incident has drawn criticism from some quarters, with fans and experts expressing concerns about the use of such language within the team. They argue that it reflects poorly on the team's culture and undermines the captain's authority.Despite the criticism, Babar Azam has defended Azam Khan, urging fans to support the team's selections. He emphasized the need to back the players who have been chosen and expressed confidence in their abilities.However, Azam Khan's recent performances have raised questions about his form and fitness. In the recently concluded T20I series against England, he scored only 11 runs in two matches and made several fielding errors.Former selectors and fans have questioned his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, suggesting that he may not be in optimal shape to compete at the highest level. They have called for a more rigorous selection process and a focus on players who are both talented and physically fit.As the T20 World Cup approaches, the debate over Azam Khan's inclusion and the team's overall fitness is likely to continue. The Pakistan team will need to address these concerns and find a way to unite and perform at their best if they want to challenge for the title.