Azam Khan not fit for T20 WC squad under current fitness: Shahid Afridi

LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket captain and current ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup, Shahid Afridi, has voiced his concerns over wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan’s fitness, stating emphatically that he would never allow Azam to be part of the team under current fitness conditions.

In a candid interview with a private TV channel, Afridi acknowledged Azam Khan’s prowess, praising his strength, toughness, and impressive hitting ability. However, he expressed serious reservations about Azam Khan’s fitness, particularly in the context of international tournaments.

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“I admire Azam Khan; he is strong, tough, and his hitting is good,” Afridi said. “But when it comes to his fitness, especially in challenging conditions like those in the West Indies, he could face significant difficulties in the World Cup.”

Afridi elaborated on the specific challenges posed by varying playing conditions, noting that while Azam Khan might manage well in English conditions where the ball tends to stay up, the West Indies present a different challenge. “In the West Indies, the ball will stay down, and keeping up with this fitness, God forbid he faces difficulties in the World Cup,” Afridi added. “You will have to put your body down to meet the conditions in the T20 World Cup, and I can only pray for them.”

Azam Khan’s fitness has been a topic of debate among former cricketers, who have often criticised his selection for the national team based on these grounds. Despite this, Khan has been included in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

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Currently, in the ongoing four-match T20 series between England and Pakistan, Azam Khan has assumed the wicketkeeping duties in place of Mohammad Rizwan. This move has further spotlighted Khan, whose fitness levels continue to be scrutinised as he represents his country on an international stage.

The fitness of players remains a crucial factor in their selection and performance, and Afridi’s comments highlight the ongoing debate within Pakistani cricket circles regarding the balance between skill and physical conditioning.