Hafeez criticizes Azam Khan's fitness and commitment to International cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has voiced concerns over Azam Khan's fitness and dedication to international cricket. 

Hafeez’s comments came in light of Azam's underwhelming display in the tournament, where his lack of form and fitness became apparent.

Azam, the son of former cricketer Moin Khan, has faced criticism after scoring zero runs in Pakistan's opening match against the USA. His poor performance led to his exclusion from the subsequent matches against India and Canada, where he was replaced by all-rounder Imad Wasim.

Hafeez, known for his outspoken views, did not hold back in his assessment of Azam’s readiness for the demands of international cricket. 

“The whole Pakistan team can cover two kilometres in 10 minutes while Azam Khan will take 20 minutes to cover the distance. Sadly, Azam Khan is not serious in playing the international cricket,” Hafeez said while speaking to a local news channel.

Hafeez has been vocal about the need for players to meet the fitness standards required at the international level. In a previous interview, he had expressed his views on Azam's fitness regime.  

"Being lean or oversize is never an issue for me, but you need to work according to the needs of the game. You need to bring your fitness to a required level. We gave him a fitness plan, but he [Azam] could not improve," Hafeez said.

"You are in the team because of your talent, but you need to respond in case of fitness. You are the only one in the team on whom we have compromised on the grounds of fitness,” he concluded.