Azam Khan, the wicketkeeper-battler for Pakistan, has voiced his dissatisfaction at not receiving regular playing time for his country. The gifted young player has only participated in eight Twenty20 internationals between July 2021 and February 2024.
Azam played on Pakistan’s team during their most recent five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand. Before being left out of the final two Twenty20 Internationals, he participated in the first three and scored 22 runs. Salman Butt responded to Azam’s remarks about the Pakistan team not having a long rope recently. The former ‘Men in Green’ captain took a savage stance against the coaching staff, arguing that they would not significantly improve Azam’s game.
“You know, he had some valid observations about the coaching staff there. He claimed that he was being led to believe that he was unworthy. He’s still a very young man. Later in his career, he’ll come to understand that some coaches aren’t actually there to coach; they’re just there to give the players props. In order to keep their job, they only want to appease the players,” Salman Butt said in his most recent YouTube video.
You must be in good physical condition to play international cricket: Salman butt
In the seven T20I innings that he has played, Azam has only managed to score 29 runs. His spot on the national team may be in peril given his dismal record, but he has shown promise in franchise leagues across the globe. Azam is currently leading the International League T20 (ILT20) tournament with 159 runs at a strike rate of 176.67 after seven games. In the Desert Vipers campaign, he ranks as the team’s second-highest run scorer.
It remains to be seen if Azam’s exploits in the different franchise leagues will keep him in the running to be included in Pakistan’s squad for the next T20 World Cup. Salman Butt clarified that in order for the 25-year-old to stay on the national team, he will need to get in better shape.
“Azam Khan ought to have had the opportunity to play the whole series. He batted when the needed run rate was around 13, which is difficult for any batter to do in a few games. On the other hand, you must be in good physical shape to play international cricket. With his talent, he can do far better if he improves his physical condition, Butt said.
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