“How he wants to develop as a person or a player is up to him,” says a former Pakistan all-rounder.
Azhar Mahmood is a former Pakistan all-rounder and the head coach of Islamabad United in the Pakistan Premier League (PSL). Recently suggested that hard-hitting batsman Azam Khan work on his fitness. He would like to see him “more fit and agile.”
Azam has faced criticism for his “fitness” despite demonstrating his talent on the field during the recently finished PSL.
Azam only scored one run in two innings of the just-finished three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. Moreover, the wicketkeeper received criticism for blowing opportunities behind the stumps.
“He [Azam] is an outstanding cricket player. He is a fantastic cricket ball striker when he is playing well, but needs to work on his fitness, and he is aware of that, Mahmood added.
Azam Khan is a young child. Thus it is up to him to decide how to develop as a person or a player when playing franchise cricket. It is the discussion we had with him, and he is extremely eager to work on his fitness. As a coach, I want to see him more fit and agile,” he continued.
Haroon Rasheed, the head selector for Pakistan, spoke earlier about Azam’s absence from the T20I team for the forthcoming series against New Zealand.
“Mistakes happen, and Azam Khan didn’t play well in the series against Afghanistan. The possibility of his return is still there if he fixes his problems and gets better. According to Rasheed, several cricketers worldwide have been released, made a comeback, and continued to play for a very long time.
Azhar Mahmood continued that Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, and Azam Khan are the two wicketkeeper-batters we now have.
The Pakistani team is now training for the limited-overs series against New Zealand at home, and it should be noted.
Five ODIs and as many T20I games will be played during the Black Caps’ visit to Pakistan.
The Pakistani players will also participate in a four-day camp beginning on April 7 in Lahore to polish up their series preparations.
