[VIDEOS] "I will leave no stone unturned in making myself worthy of national selection" : Azam Khan

[Saj]

Why hasn't he been included in the group of players whose fitness PCB is monitoring and looking to improve?

Or is this a case of PCB being satisfied with his fitness levels.

 

[Kaddy]

Why hasn't he been included in the group of players whose fitness PCB is monitoring and looking to improve?

Or is this a case of PCB being satisfied with his fitness levels.

Or maybe this is a case of 'no hope' (fitness wise).

 

[MenInG]

Azam Khan seems to be becoming a T20 League favourite

LPL and CPL for 2022.

 

[shah_1]

Hopeless case in terms of fitness

 

[MenInG]

Born: August 10, 1998 (age 24 years), Karachi, Pakistan

Happy Birthday to him

To me, his fitness will never allow him to get to that big stage.

 

[Babeikh]

He says he will leave no stone unturned but clearly losing weight is a stone he doesn't want to or can't turn

 

[sweep_shot]

He is a good hitter but fitness needs to be better.

Can be a good LOI option if he can lose a bit of weight.

 

[Nasty Naz]

He is a good hitter but fitness needs to be better.

Can be a good LOI option if he can lose a bit of weight.

Can be an excellent option if he does IMO. His SR in T20 & List A have been impressive.

Could be the guy to solve middle order woes and provide that much needed big hitting ability. Fitness will be the massive question mark and I don't even think he needs to very slim or anything but needs to at least be in some sort of reasonable shape.

 

[the Great Khan]

He is clinically obese and should never wear the shirt until he has lost that flab..end of..

 

[Saj]

The selectors and coaching staff should set Azam a weight and fitness target. If he cannot achieve it then he should not be picked for the international team.

 

[MenInG]

Under supervision of Rashid Latif at KPL2

 

[gazza619]

^seems like everyone on planet earth wants Azam to succeed.

Azam is not planning to loose even an inch on that belly, is he?

 

[offstump]

Even Rashid is fitter in his 50s.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Seems like instead of turning stones, he ate them.

 

[umarf76]

Under supervision of Rashid Latif at KPL2

I actually think he has lost weight.

 

[Saj]

Under supervision of Rashid Latif at KPL2

Doesn't look like there has been much progress in the bid to lose weight.

Surely a young guy like him has the motivation to get fitter.

 

[MenInG]

As per sources, PCB have rejected Azam's NOC request. Meanwhile, other requests were approved and players got NOC for CPL.

 

[Rana]

As per sources, PCB have rejected Azam's NOC request. Meanwhile, other requests were approved and players got NOC for CPL.

Why? Makes no sense

 

[Nasty Naz]

Why? Makes no sense

They likely want him to focus on simply fitness and continuing to workout.

 

[Rana]

They likely want him to focus on simply fitness and continuing to workout.

He isn’t in their plans. He will lose interest and just pull out of whatever contract he has with PCB. Let the guy play competitive cricket wherever he can!

 

[Nasty Naz]

He isn’t in their plans. He will lose interest and just pull out of whatever contract he has with PCB. Let the guy play competitive cricket wherever he can!

I think its the opposite. If he wasn't in their plans or they didn't care about it, why bother rejecting the NOC? It's because they want to work with him to get his fitness level where it needs to be and if the player mindset is long-term than short-term money, it makes sense for him to do it too.

I have already said I think he has plenty of potential to be a solid player for Pakistan. One of the few players in domestics who plays at a very SR and I don't think Pakistan can afford to discard those types of players away. They need to invest in them.

 

[Titan24]

As per sources, PCB have rejected Azam's NOC request. Meanwhile, other requests were approved and players got NOC for CPL.

Hopefully its to ask him to work on his fitness as he definitely has some potential with the bat and also as a keeper/batsman but, very difficult to be part of the plans with the current fitness.

 

[shamaan]

I think they are considering him for future tours along aside Qasim Akram.

 

[MenInG]

With NOC gone for CPL - he better start turning stones and get himself fit.

 

[MenInG]

And Azam becomes the first Pakistan recruit for ILT20

But given refusal to allow NOC for CPL, how can the PCB let him play this?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; keeper-batter Azam Khan is an exciting addition to Desert Vipers!<br><br>He is one of the world’s best players of spin in T20 cricket, averaging 35 with a strike rate of 160 against slower bowlers - Azam is ideally suited to attacking those middle overs for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DesertVipers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DesertVipers</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hZ0Uica2Zv">pic.twitter.com/hZ0Uica2Zv</a></p>— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDesertVipers/status/1560638235105038336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

And Azam becomes the first Pakistan recruit for ILT20

But given refusal to allow NOC for CPL, how can the PCB let him play this?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan���� keeper-batter Azam Khan is an exciting addition to Desert Vipers!<br><br>He is one of the world’s best players of spin in T20 cricket, averaging 35 with a strike rate of 160 against slower bowlers - Azam is ideally suited to attacking those middle overs for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DesertVipers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DesertVipers</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hZ0Uica2Zv">pic.twitter.com/hZ0Uica2Zv</a></p>— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDesertVipers/status/1560638235105038336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Multinational firm Lancer Capital, which owns the Manchester United team in the English Premier League, has signed up with Azam, a right-handed wicketkeeper batsman. He is the first Pakistan signing in the ILT20 which has five other franchises, all owned by the Indians

 

[Titan24]

And Azam becomes the first Pakistan recruit for ILT20

But given refusal to allow NOC for CPL, how can the PCB let him play this?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan���� keeper-batter Azam Khan is an exciting addition to Desert Vipers!<br><br>He is one of the world’s best players of spin in T20 cricket, averaging 35 with a strike rate of 160 against slower bowlers - Azam is ideally suited to attacking those middle overs for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DesertVipers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DesertVipers</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hZ0Uica2Zv">pic.twitter.com/hZ0Uica2Zv</a></p>— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDesertVipers/status/1560638235105038336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I believe better chance for this as domestic schedule would be over by then with Pakistan Cup that will be ending on 3rd Jan.

 

[MenInG]

PCB have informed us that Azam Khan HAS been provided NOC for CPL!

The NOC was issued yesterday.

The ITL20 NOC decision is pending.

 

[Titan24]

PCB have informed us that Azam Khan HAS been provided NOC for CPL!

The NOC was issued yesterday.

The ITL20 NOC decision is pending.

Well that changed quickly. What about prioritizing the domestic competition for young players. Wonder what would be the case for Qasim Akram.

 

[redmaverik84]

I think there is a fear that if he goes to CPL, he might end up partying more often than not and then he will put back whatever stone he is trying to lose. No such fear in UAE

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Think he has made it clear he has no aspirations to play long form cricket. Wants to be a t20 cricketer only.

 

[shamaan]

Well that changed quickly. What about prioritizing the domestic competition for young players. Wonder what would be the case for Qasim Akram.

If they want the players to play domestically and a team from an outside league comes in for them they should be given a further incentive to reject the outside league.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Why is this thread still going? We have had a look and now we know he is not international class.

There can be ifs and buts about his fitness and chances - but we know after having seen him play for various teams his ceiling isn't very high. He will play some impactful innings but those will be too few and far between to matter at international level.

Nothing against the lad, but it is time to look at some others.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Why is this thread still going? We have had a look and now we know he is not international class.

There can be ifs and buts about his fitness and chances - but we know after having seen him play for various teams his ceiling isn't very high. He will play some impactful innings but those will be too few and far between to matter at international level.

Nothing against the lad, but it is time to look at some others.

Must be why he's in such huge demands from leagues all over the world.

People are underrating how talented the lad is because of his weight.

 

[Savak]

This policy of giving Noc to one player but not to another player is going to eventually create resentment by the player against the PCB.

 

[MenInG]

Smash and grab from Azam at the KPL - poor Zaman!

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[Titan24]

KPL commentators have given him the name "The Hammer".

Surely gave some hammering to the opposition yesterday when it was needed for his team to stay alive in the tournament.

 

[javid]

I wonder how can he get into any team with such fitness....may be Pakistan should look to put him into wrestling competitions,may be he will win a gold at Olympics....
It seems that this guy doesn't a bit interest in loosing weight....

 

[MenInG]

So he did get his NOC and is playing in the CPL - scored 9*(7) for Barbados Royals

 

[MenInG]

Not great from Azam - should be scoring big runs really!

Last Wkt: Azam Khan c Charles b Kuggeleijn 10(11) - 104/3 in 12.2 ov.

 

[MenInG]

Azam Khan 18(11) and run out during CPL game for Barbados Royals vs Trinbago Knight Riders

 

[MenInG]

His performances in CPL at the moment

 

[MenInG]

His performances in CPL at the moment

12 (11) vs Tallawahs today

 

[Saj]

Another failure in the CPL for Azam.

Out for 8 off 10 balls.

 

[Shabraz]

Seems having strong admiration to follow suits of Caribbean cricketers, happy go lucky attitude n no inclination or interest for national selection , just run for leagues

 

[gazza619]

Another failure in the CPL for Azam.

Out for 8 off 10 balls.

I guess the standard must have gone up

 

[D/DAhmed]

He's basically a spin-basher, and that to on pitches which aren't conducive for spin. Been found out at this year's CPL, and hopefully that should signal an end for this mediocre, unfit player

 

[Mobashir]

He's basically a spin-basher, and that to on pitches which aren't conducive for spin. Been found out at this year's CPL, and hopefully that should signal an end for this mediocre, unfit player

Batting in the carabian can be very hard sometimes. If you look at the performances of Nicholas Pooran in this CPL and other good players you will know. Their pitchers offer too much for the T20 format.

 

[MenInG]

Better stuff from Azam today in Barbados Royals vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots - currently on 40*(32)

 

[MenInG]

Better stuff from Azam today in Barbados Royals vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots - currently on 40*(32)

Last Wkt: Azam Khan c Fletcher b Dwayne Bravo 64(42) - 148/3 in 19.3 ov.

Excellent stuff from Azam

 

[MenInG]

Last Wkt: Azam Khan c Fletcher b Dwayne Bravo 64(42) - 148/3 in 19.3 ov.

Excellent stuff from Azam

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Azam Khan goes HUGE!! Azam Khan smokes it for a 103 metre six as todays <a href="https://twitter.com/fun88eng?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fun88eng</a> magic moment.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRvSKNP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRvSKNP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fun88?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fun88</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggestPartyInSport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiggestPartyInSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/pmNBKe0O73">pic.twitter.com/pmNBKe0O73</a></p>— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1572617298556645376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[Pakpak]

Slapping around trundlers, the state of his fitness.....

He will be back to his 2 innings out of 10 wonders when PSL comes along

 

[Nasty Naz]

Slapping around trundlers, the state of his fitness.....

He will be back to his 2 innings out of 10 wonders when PSL comes along

A player does well and he still gets hated & criticized. Does poorly and gets blasted even more.

Toxic culture from its fanbase & media.

 

[Saj]

Finally some runs at the CPL for him.

About time given the number of chances he has had this season.

 

[shamaan]

A player does well and he still gets hated & criticized. Does poorly and gets blasted even more.

Toxic culture from its fanbase & media.

That's Pakistani fans for you.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a character. What an entertainer. Azam Khan, ladies and gents. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalsFamily?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalsFamily</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MAzamKhan45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MAzamKhan45</a> <a href="https://t.co/tbWaNQFbnr">pic.twitter.com/tbWaNQFbnr</a></p>— Barbados Royals (@BarbadosRoyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbadosRoyals/status/1573379169127469056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Sunzi]

His state of fitness for an athlete is embarrassing .

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> KHANtastic s from [MENTION=64594]azam[/MENTION]77khann &#55356;&#57295;&#55357;&#56485;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggestPartyInSport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiggestPartyInSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/kNmTN5JCh5">pic.twitter.com/kNmTN5JCh5</a></p>— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1573903909181087745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Azam Khan 20(24) and then run out... although not really to blame.

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[shujaatraza]

He is set to feature in some reality based show alongside Imad Wasim, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Fawad Alam with Shoaib Malik as the host.

 

[MenInG]

Azam Khan 52 (35) as his side Barbados Royals won by 87 runs against GAW - advances to the final

 

[Rana]

Azam Khan 52 (35) as his side Barbados Royals won by 87 runs against GAW - advances to the final

The big show!

 

[MenInG]

The big show!

 

[Savak]

PCB should have tough standards. Players with Sharjeel and Azam will obesity levels should not even be picked in domestic cricket and should not be given Nocs to play leagues until the achieve minimum basic fitness standards. Only way these guys will make an effort to keep themselves fit.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

PCB should have tough standards. Players with Sharjeel and Azam will obesity levels should not even be picked in domestic cricket and should not be given Nocs to play leagues until the achieve minimum basic fitness standards. Only way these guys will make an effort to keep themselves fit.

Azam doesn’t need an NOC if he doesn’t have a domestic contract. He’s a freelance professional applying his trade wherever he’s able to legally procure employment.

I get the frustration with Azam’s weight, but the PCB has no recourse to stop him from earning.

And neither should it. It’s already a fallacy that Pakistan players don’t have a players union. The board issues them edicts, withdraws NOCs and recalls them from county/franchise stints on a whim. If anything, the PCB should be more facilitative, given the bruised relationship it has had with certain players.

Regarding Azam and Sharjeel’s fitness, the penny will only drop for these lads when it comes from themselves. Draconian measures like withholding NOCs doesn’t achieve any long term behavioural changes.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2 Hero Maximum s in 1 over = absolute KHANage <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggestPartyInSport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiggestPartyInSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/WMtXCYEfoW">pic.twitter.com/WMtXCYEfoW</a></p>— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1575872516467621893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[finalfantasy7]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2 Hero Maximum s in 1 over = absolute KHANage <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggestPartyInSport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiggestPartyInSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/WMtXCYEfoW">pic.twitter.com/WMtXCYEfoW</a></p>— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1575872516467621893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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what have his scores been?

still needs to lose around 4 stone to get to fitness

 

[Asif321]

Overweight Azam Khan is 20 times better than this Harris .

 

[shamaan]

Overweight Azam Khan is 20 times better than this Harris .

I still believe he should be picked for the world cup squad.

 

[gazza619]

Every time i see him, he looks like he has added more weight. What a disgrace.

 

[Mobashir]

Every time i see him, he looks like he has added more weight. What a disgrace.

He has just scored a CPL final 50 and this is what you have to say about him?
Poor comment. What a disgrace.

 

[MenInG]

Azam Khan was brilliant but on the losing side.




<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Azam Khan puts on a display when it matters!! Watch the moment he reaches his 50 as the CPL22 Final’s <a href="https://twitter.com/fun88eng?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fun88eng</a> Magic Moment.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRvJT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRvJT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fun88?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fun88</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggestPartyInSport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiggestPartyInSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/BsCAdUE1pw">pic.twitter.com/BsCAdUE1pw</a></p>— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1576013924175998976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Officer Barbrady]

They promoted him to 4 midway through the tournament and he responded with consistent performances. Appears to be developing into a very fine t20 batsman. Hopefully a very successful psl is just around the corner for him as are plenty of overseas league contracts.

At some point Pakistan will need to decide if they want him.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Azam Khan last 4 innings in the Caribbean Premier League:<br><br>51 off 40 balls<br>52 off 35 balls<br>20 off 24 balls<br>64 off 42 balls<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/4MLVdILe2w">pic.twitter.com/4MLVdILe2w</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1576108365586890752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[KingOfPakBreakfast]

They promoted him to 4 midway through the tournament and he responded with consistent performances. Appears to be developing into a very fine t20 batsman. Hopefully a very successful psl is just around the corner for him as are plenty of overseas league contracts.

At some point Pakistan will need to decide if they want him.

Ultimately his s/r is still the issue. You’re seeing 50 odd off 40 balls, but he started slowly again, and struggles to get pace bowlers away consistently.

And yes, his fitness remains a concern. He was in better shape two PSLs ago and was trending in the right direction, but seems to have regressed. Given that he’s removed himself from the domestics, he’s clearly not that invested in playing for Pakistan.

 

[Barragan]

Get him in the side!

Haider Ali out.

 

[gazza619]

He has just scored a CPL final 50 and this is what you have to say about him?
Poor comment. What a disgrace.

He played too slow. Scoring 50 off 40 balls on a wicket where 180 was required is simply not good enough.

He is a liability in the field if not keeping wickets.

 

[Rana]

Get him in the side!

Haider Ali out.

He isn’t physically fit enough

The players in the side are as fit as the South African cricket team

 

[Mobashir]

He played too slow. Scoring 50 off 40 balls on a wicket where 180 was required is simply not good enough.

He is a liability in the field if not keeping wickets.

51 from 40 isn't perfect. But the problem was Holder's 17 from 19 and Zadran 6 from 12. They killed the match and momentum.

Can you show me how many extra runs his fielding have coasted?

 

[GudduBadmash]

Pakistani Logic

51 off 40 for the crazy power hitter Azam Khan, what an innings, solves lower order hitting problem.


51 off 40 for the anchor Muhammad Rizwan, is selfish and has no place in the team.

Honestly, at this point it's just laughable.