Hurts to see people being so negative about me: Azam Khan

Quetta Gladiators hard-hitting batsman Azam Khan was sad to see the negative criticism directed towards him after he was picked once again by the Gladiators in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft for the fifth season of the tournament.

While speaking to media after Gladiators three-wicket win over Islamabad United in Karachi in the opening match of HBL PSL 5, where he scored a match-winning half-century, Azam said that he believes in replying to his critics with his performances.

"I am not bothered by criticism and try to avoid it, but it hurts to see people being so negative about me," said Azam. "I am confident in my ability and the only thing I can do is reply with my bat and that’s what I am going to do in future as well."

"I don’t get demoralised by negative comments. You can’t silence anyone here. Once you perform, those negative comments will turn into praises," he added.

The 21-year-old was grateful to Quetta Gladiators management for showing faith in his ability.

"Gladiators team management had given me a lot of confidence and assured me that I am going to get an opportunity to play," he said. "They worked with me in nets so I am really happy that I was able to fulfil their expectations today."

"As far as my weight is concerned, I was working on my fitness for the past four to five months which has helped me a lot," he added.

Azam hopes to follow in the footsteps of his batting idol and Pakistan’s Twenty20 International (T20I) captain Babar Azam.

"As far as my batting idol is concerned, I look up to Babar Azam as he is a top performer in every format. He plays so effortlessly so I will try to emulate that," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hasnain, who was adjudged player of the match for his four-wicket spell against United, also revealed his target for the ongoing fifth season of PSL.

"I was in the National Cricket Academy in Lahore for the past two and a half months where I worked with Waqar bhai and learned a lot from him," said Hasnain. "My aim is to perform in the PSL and get selected for the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia."