Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez has raised concerns over the fitness and commitment of young batter Azam Khan following the team's lacklustre performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Hafeez, known for his outspoken nature, did not mince words as he expressed his disappointment with Azam Khan's fitness levels, suggesting that the player takes significantly longer to cover distances compared to his teammates.
In a candid assessment, Hafeez remarked, "The whole Pakistan team can cover two kilometres in 10 minutes while Azam Khan will take 20 minutes to cover the distance." This stark observation underscores Hafeez's belief that Azam Khan's fitness may be hindering his ability to perform consistently at the international level.
Azam Khan, the son of former cricketer Moin Khan, has faced criticism for his recent performances in the T20 World Cup, notably scoring zero runs in Pakistan's opening match against the USA. This poor showing led to his replacement by Imad Wasim in subsequent matches against India and Canada.
Hafeez emphasized the importance of fitness in international cricket, stating, "Being lean or oversize is never an issue for me, but you need to work according to the needs of the game. You need to bring your fitness to a required level." He expressed disappointment that despite efforts to provide Azam Khan with a fitness plan, the young batter failed to show improvement.
The comments from Mohammad Hafeez highlight ongoing concerns within the Pakistan cricket community regarding fitness standards and player readiness at the highest level of the sport. Azam Khan, known for his powerful batting, now faces mounting pressure to address these fitness issues and prove his commitment to international cricket.
