Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has strongly responded to criticism over his fitness and his alleged role in Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Speaking on a podcast, the 28-year-old cricketer said it was unfair to hold him responsible for the team’s overall failure, pointing out that he played only one match during the tournament and faced just one delivery.
Azam questioned critics who continue to target his fitness, arguing that Pakistan’s other fit and experienced players also failed to chase a modest target of 120 runs against India.
He recalled Pakistan’s six-run defeat against India on June 9, 2024, in New York. India scored 119 runs before Pakistan were restricted to 113 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah played a decisive role in the victory, taking three wickets for just 14 runs.
Azam Khan featured in Pakistan’s opening match against the United States, where he was dismissed for a golden duck. He did not play another match in the tournament.
Pakistan subsequently failed to progress beyond the group stage, while Azam’s fitness and selection became subjects of widespread criticism.
His latest remarks have once again brought the debate over Pakistan’s fitness standards, team performance and individual accountability into the spotlight.