Azam Khan has come under the scanner for his below-par showing on the T20I tour of England.
England won the four-match series 2-0 after winning the final T20I by four wickets at The Oval on Thursday (May 30). Out of the four matches, two matches were abandoned due to rain and only second and fourth T20Is were played.
While Azam scored 11 off 10 balls in the second T20I at Edgbaston, he bagged a five-ball duck in the final game of the series.
With barely a few days remaining for the start of Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Azam Khan has not drawing flak for his poor performance but also fitness.
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi is also among the experts who have raised questions over Azam’s inclusion in the national squad.
"Mai kabhi bhi Azam Khan ko fitness pe team ke kareeb nahi aane dunga (I won't let him come even near to the team based on fitness)," said Afridi while talking to a Pakistani news channel.
"I also praise him side by side. He is strong, powerful; his hitting is tremendous," he added, before talking about Azam Khan’s keeping.
"As far as 'keeping, the ball caries in English conditions. (But) When you go to the West Indies (for the T20 World Cup), the ball won't carry that much there, it will stay low...so you have to keep your body low. To keep against spinners with such fitness (on slow and low tracks), I pray to God he doesn't struggle," he further remarked.
However, the Pakistan team, led by Babar Azam, put its arm around the 25-year-old to encourage him for the all-important T20 World Cup assignments.
In a video on social media, captain Babar could be seen walking up to Azam Khan, who looked dejected, and motivated youngster with a pat on his back.
Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against hosts USA in Dallas on June 6.