Pakistan fans surprised to see Azam Khan’s non-selection for South Africa T20Is

Azam is currently participating in the T10 League for the Deccan Gladiators

PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

Wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan, who has done his reputation of being a power-hitter no harm whatsoever in the recent past, was not included in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

The national selectors led by chief selector Muhammad Wasim today announced the Pakistan men’s 20-member squad for the three-match T20I series against South Africa which will be played in Lahore. The three matches will be played on February 11, 13 and 14.

The 22-year-old, who came into the limelight during the last season of PSL, has impressed one and all with his clean hitting in domestic cricket and T20 leagues.

Azam, who is the son of former wicketkeeper-batsman Moin Khan, is currently participating in the T10 League for the Deccan Gladiators.

The powerful right-hander has featured in 31 T20s over the course of his career, so far, scoring 645 runs, with the help of four fifties, at a strike rate of 159.65.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

I don't understand the fitness argument in T20 cricket. Its understandable in Tests & ODIs but in T20s, need to be more creative.

Azam Khan is a good fielder & he is among the best hitters against spin bowling in Pakistan. He needs a good PSL to force his way in for SA tour.
— Naveed Nadeem (@naveednadeem91) January 31, 2021

Fitness shouldn’t be rated higher than Ability in T20s

Ability > Fitness in T20

Sharjeel Khan & Azam Khan should be in the side after PSL6
— Aqeel (@AqeelViews) January 31, 2021

Azam Khan not included in T20 Squad. #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/iLFpmoJI7y
— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoorze) January 31, 2021

No place for Azam Khan. 👀
— Clive (@_vanillawallah) January 31, 2021

Firstly disappointed 😞 with the squad selected . And those criticising professor himself for not been selected. A question is for them suppose hafeez wasn’t selected beacuse of his own !! Why AzamKhan & SharjeelKhan weren’t selected 💘😊#PAKvSA
— Taحa 🇵🇰 (@tahaspeak) January 31, 2021

I'm surprised to see no Hafeez & Azam Khan in the T20 squad, specially Hafeez...who is in sublime batting form recently.#PAKvSA #Cricket
— Zia Siddiqui (@Zia_sidd) January 31, 2021