- Shahid Afridi raised concerns over Azam Khan's fitness.
- Afridi questions Khan's inclusion in the Pakistan squad.
- Afridi clarifies his intention to support the team.
Despite Azam’s decent showing in the 2024 PSL, where he scored 226 runs with a strike rate of 171.21, his T20I record is less impressive, with a total of 88 runs across 12 matches and 11 innings, averaging 11 and a strike rate of 146.
Afridi, in a conversation with a local television station, highlighted the critical role of fitness in cricket and cast doubt on Khan’s wicketkeeping capabilities, particularly under the West Indian playing conditions.
“Fitness is the main thing. If you are fit, your body language gives it away on the ground, be it while batting, bowling, or fielding. You can’t compromise on fitness. I would never let Azam Khan get anywhere near the team as far as fitness is concerned,” Afridi remarked.
“In England, the ball carries behind the stumps (while keeping). But when they’ll go to the West Indies, the ball won’t carry as much there, it will keep low. I hope he doesn’t struggle, but I am worried about his keeping against spinners in West Indian conditions with this fitness, because the ball stays low there and you have to keep your body low as well,” he continued.
Afridi clarified that his intention is not to demoralize the team before the T20 World Cup, but to emphasize the necessity for enhanced fitness. He plans to back the team throughout the event, proposing that any performance critiques be reserved for after the competition.
“As a senior, my wish is to support every player as the team is going for the World Cup. After the World Cup we can discuss and criticise. But for now, I only want to support the boys and want to make sure that they don’t get any such message where they feel, ‘We are going for the World Cup and this is what Shahid bhai is talking about’” Afridi expressed.
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