Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has voiced strong criticism over the selection of wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan for the T20 World Cup, citing concerns about his fitness. Afridi specifically questioned Azam’s ability to keep wickets effectively against spinners in the Caribbean islands, where the ball is expected to stay low.
Shahid Afridi’s Scathing Attack on Azam Khan “Fitness is the main thing. If you are fit, your body language gives it away on the ground, be it while batting, bowling, or fielding. You can’t compromise on fitness. I would never let Azam Khan get anywhere near the team as far as fitness is concerned,” Afridi remarked.
He further elaborated on his concerns, stating, “In England, the ball carries behind the stumps (while keeping). 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, because the ball stays low there and you have to keep your body low as well.”
PAK T20 World Cup Schedule for Group Stage
- Pakistan vs USA on June 6 (Dallas)
- India vs Pakistan on June 9 (New York)
- Pakistan vs Canada on June 11 (New York)
- Pakistan vs Ireland on June 16 (Lauderhill)