Cricket

Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has faced criticism for his poor performance in the recent T20I series against England. Despite his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, his form and fitness have raised concerns among fans and experts.Khan scored only 11 runs in two matches and dropped several catches, leading to questions about his selection. Former selectors have suggested that he is out of shape for international cricket.However, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has defended Khan, urging fans to support the team's selections. He emphasized the need to back players who have been chosen for the World Cup.During the fourth T20I, Khan appeared visibly dejected after dropping catches. Babar consoled him, a gesture that has been praised on social media.Khan's struggles are not isolated. Captain Babar and star batter Mohammad Rizwan have also faced scrutiny for their low strike rates.Pakistan faces a challenging task in the T20 World Cup, placed in Group A alongside India, Canada, USA, and Ireland. They will open their campaign against USA on June 6, followed by the highly anticipated clash with India on June 9.The Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup includes:* Babar Azam (c)* 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 KhanPakistan will need to improve their performances significantly to advance from their group and make a deep run in the tournament.

Mark Wood's Unplayable Delivery Stuns Azam Khan in England's T20I VictoryEngland's Mark Wood unleashed an astonishing delivery that left Pakistan's Azam Khan bewildered during the fourth T20I at the Oval on Thursday. Wood's 88.4mph rocket stunned Khan, forcing him to take evasive action and ultimately leading to his dismissal.The incident occurred in the 11th over of Pakistan's innings. Wood charged in and delivered a vicious bouncer that angled in from back of length. The ball rose sharply and hurried onto Khan, who was caught off guard. Khan attempted to duck out of the way, but the ball kissed his glove and looped off his shoulder to England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.The unplayable delivery sent Khan packing for a five-ball duck. The dismissal was a testament to Wood's exceptional pace and accuracy. The England speedster has been in impressive form throughout the series, consistently troubling Pakistan's batters with his raw pace and movement.In the match, England restricted Pakistan to 157 all out, with Wood claiming two wickets. England then chased down the target with 27 balls remaining, securing a 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. The win gives England a boost of confidence heading into the defense of its T20 World Cup title.Wood's delivery has been widely praised by cricket experts and fans alike. It is a reminder of the devastating impact that a well-executed bouncer can have on a batter. The dismissal also highlights the importance of quick reflexes and anticipation in the game of cricket.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has come under fire from fans after a disappointing performance in the fourth T20I against England on Thursday. Khan was dismissed for a duck after facing just five deliveries and dropped two easy chances while fielding.Khan's poor performance has sparked outrage among fans, who have criticized his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Many believe that Khan's inclusion in the squad is a result of nepotism, as he is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan."Azam Khan is the best example of nepotism in our country," tweeted Mubasher Lucman. "Mediocrity rules here in every department. Shameless people who persisted with him must be charged and sentenced. This is a criminal act, not a simple mistake."Khan's struggles have been evident in recent matches. He has failed to make a significant contribution with the bat and has been criticized for his poor fielding."Azam Khan is an embarrassment to international cricket," tweeted Yang Goi.England's victory in the fourth T20I was a comprehensive display of their all-round strength. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was named player of the match after taking 2-27 from his four overs, while Phil Salt and Jos Buttler provided a blistering start to England's chase with an opening stand of 82.Harry Brook finished the game with a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was the pick of the Pakistan attack with 3-38. England finished on 158-6 to win with more than three overs to spare.The victory gave England a 2-0 triumph in the four-match T20 series, with games at Headingley and Cardiff washed out without a ball bowled."We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad," Buttler told Sky Sports.

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

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended young wicketkeeper Azam Khan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, dismissing criticism that he was selected based on "sifarish" (recommendations). Zaman's outburst came in response to a journalist's question about whether other players deserved a spot ahead of the "unfit" Khan.Despite impressive performances in T20 leagues worldwide, Khan has struggled to replicate his form for Pakistan, averaging a mere 11 runs in international matches. However, Zaman believes the selectors made the right choice based on Khan's past achievements."If you make a team, then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman asserted at a press conference.Zaman urged journalists to conduct thorough research before making such accusations. "Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations suffered a setback with a disappointing loss to England in the second T20I of the four-match series. England posted a formidable 183/7, led by Jos Buttler's 84, while Pakistan was restricted to 160, with Reece Topley claiming three wickets. England now holds a 1-0 lead in the series, with the remaining matches scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended teammate Azam Khan's selection in the national T20I squad, following criticism from a journalist.During a press conference after Pakistan's 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I, a reporter questioned Azam's place in the team, suggesting he was chosen based on recommendations rather than merit.Zaman, visibly upset, strongly condemned the reporter's comments, emphasizing that Azam had earned his spot through impressive performances in various T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)."If you make a team then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman said.Zaman further clarified that the team selection process is based on merit and is carried out by the captain and coach. He advised the journalist to conduct proper research before attending press conferences and asking such questions."Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Azam, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, has yet to establish himself on the international circuit, scoring just 88 runs in 12 matches at an average of 11.00. However, Zaman believes that Azam has the potential to succeed at the highest level."He is a young player and he is learning. He has a lot of talent and he will improve with time. We have to support him and give him confidence," Zaman said.Pakistan's next T20I against England is scheduled for Tuesday in Karachi.

Pakistan Cricketers Babar Azam and Azam Khan Draw Flak for Insensitive ActPakistan cricket captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan have come under fire for an insensitive act that has sparked outrage on social media. Ahead of the T20I series against England, a video emerged showing Azam wiping his forehead with a bundle of foreign currency while Babar, who was allegedly recording the video, teased him and laughed.The video has drawn widespread criticism from social media users, who have condemned the players' actions as disrespectful and insensitive. Many have pointed out that the act is particularly offensive given the economic challenges faced by many Pakistanis."This is a shameful act by two of our national cricketers," said one user on Twitter. "They should be ashamed of themselves for showing such disrespect for our currency."Another user commented, "This is not the behavior we expect from our cricketers. They should be role models for our youth, not setting bad examples."The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet commented on the incident, but it is likely that the players will face some form of disciplinary action.The incident comes at a time when Pakistan is preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. The team has been in good form recently, having beaten Ireland 2-1 in a three-match T20I series.However, the controversy surrounding Babar and Azam Khan could overshadow the team's preparations for the World Cup. The players will need to quickly put this incident behind them and focus on the task at hand.