Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan has been receiving some criticism from fans and former players amid his dismal performance in the recently concluded T20I series against England. Azam scored just 11 runs in the two matches he played, while his glovework was also questionable as he took some easy catches. Before the T20 World Cup, fans and former selectors questioned his inclusion in the team. Although Azam’s performance was not good, experts also suggested that the 25-year-old is not fit enough to play at the highest level.
Amid continued criticism, Pakistan captain Babar Azam defended the youngster, urging fans to support him and the other players selected for the T20 World Cup.
“When we don’t select a player, you ask us why we didn’t select him. And then when we select him, you ask us why he was selected. We need to support the players who were selected,” Babar said. at a press conference.
In the fourth and final T20I at The Oval, Azam looked visibly haggard during one of the drinking breaks, having dropped a few catches. However, Babar went to him and consoled the young man. His gesture went viral on social media.
The way he supports his teammates Aik hi dil hain Kaptaana kitni Baar jetoge pic.twitter.com/OEnyWtACvm
-Muhammad Abubakar (@Abubakarfts213) May 31, 2024
Azam is not the only player who is going through a rough patch before reaching the T20 World Cup. Even captain Babar and star wicketkeeper Mohmmad Rizwan were scrutinized for their strike rate.
Pakistan would need a huge turnaround to get out of the World Cup’s T20 group.
They are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Canada, USA and Ireland. The Men in Green will begin their campaign against co-hosts USA on Thursday at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.
They face the USA in the tournament opener on June 6, followed by the high-octane clash against arch-rivals India on June 9.
Pakistan T20 World Cup squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
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