Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt criticized keeper-batter Azam Khan for his poor fitness and performance.
Azam failed to perform in Pakistan’s recent four-match T20I series against England, scoring 11 runs in the second game and getting out for a five-ball duck in the fourth match.
Butt mentioned on his YouTube channel that Azam’s fitness issues and struggles with the short ball invite criticism whenever he underperforms.
“Everything related to Azam Khan will be criticized whenever he doesn’t perform. This is because what he presents is open to criticism. He invites criticism with the kind of fitness he carries. He had problems against the short ball,” Butt said.
Butt also slammed Azam’s keeping as he dropped two crucial catches in the fourth T20I.
“People are going to speak about him. The way he got out today, his eyes were closed while facing the short ball, and then his wicketkeeping. His fitness is always going to be under the scanner. I think he has to decide on his career. He should work on his fitness, otherwise, it is going to be very difficult for him to play,” he added.
Former cricketer also commented on Shadab Khan, stating he is not suited for the number four batting position despite occasional good performances.
“Shadab Khan isn’t someone who should be batting at No. 4. Yes, there might be an odd good knock, but if you bat at one position regularly, you might do well once in a while. He is not having a good time. His first two overs were good in this game. But his confidence went downhill after after Bairstow hit him for two sixes,” Butt concluded.