Azam Khan has struggled to find his footing at the international level
In the past week, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan has been subjected to intense trolling on social media due to his bulky frame and perceived lack of fitness.
Azam Khan recently deleted all posts on his Instagram account, sparking speculation that the move was in response to fan criticism over his fitness and selection for the T20 World Cup squad.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has spoken out in defense of the young cricketer.
“He is under immense pressure. He is being body shamed, is being trolled,” Latif said.
Azam, who has represented Pakistan in only 13 T20 internationals, has struggled to find his footing at the international level. Despite his explosive batting in franchise cricket, he has been unable to replicate that form for the national team.
“Azam is an exceptional batsman in T20s. He is a clean hitter, plays spinners well, has worked on his game against the Pacers. But I will not rate him as a keeper. It is nothing to do with his fitness, but because he doesn’t have that experience. He is still very new and raw to international level,” he said.
The former captain also emphasized that Mohammed Rizwan should be Pakistan's No.1 wicketkeeper, praising Rizwan's consistency and resilience.
“Pakistan’s No.1 keeper should be Mohammed Rizwan. Rizwan is Pakistan’s best keeper and has been a warrior for this team. He has played in the last two T20I World Cups and was exceptional,” he concluded.
It is worth noting that the Men in Green will commence their T20 World Cup campaign against co-hosts USA on Thursday, June 6, in Dallas.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Pakistan’s schedule of matches: