Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam has opened up on opener Sharjeel Khan’s fitness ahead of tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

While speaking during a virtual press conference, Babar said that Sharjeel’s fitness is not a major concern.

“Sharjeel is a bit healthy but his fitness is not a major concern. He is working on improving his fitness as well but he can’t become like Shadab Khan all of a sudden. Also, he is now part of the team which is why it is important to back him,” said Babar. “Due to his fitness issues, I only asked for his inclusion in the T20 side because it was easier to adjust him in the shorter format.”

“Sharjeel is a match-winner which is why we have picked him. He can totally change the game as an opener and is currently in good form,” he added.

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The 31-year-old, who is making a comeback in the national side, was banned for five years — with half the period suspended — for his part in a gambling fix during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2017.

Babar was also optimistic about putting up a good show during the upcoming tour of South Africa, especially the ODI series bearing in mind qualification for the 2023 World Cup.