Azam Khan Archives

Karachi Kings secure Warner, Salman and Azam in major squad boost

Karachi Kings bolstered their squad at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Player Auction with the addition of David Warner, Salman Ali Agha, and wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan.

David Warner returns to Karachi Kings for PKR 7.9 crore after captaining the side in PSL 10.

The dynamic left-hander was one of the team’s standout performers, scoring 368 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 33.45 and a strike rate of 153.97.

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Power-hitter Azam Khan was secured for PKR 3.25 crore. Azam began his PSL career with Quetta Gladiators before representing Islamabad United, featuring in 61 matches overall.

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He has accumulated 1,206 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 143.40. Behind the stumps, Azam has taken 27 catches and completed seven stumpings, adding further depth to Karachi Kings’ wicketkeeping options.

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha was bought for PKR 5.85 crore.

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Currently leading the national side in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Salman brings valuable experience, having previously represented Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United in the PSL.

He has scored 730 runs in 36 matches and also contributed with four wickets.

Earlier, ahead of the PSL 11 Player Auction, Karachi Kings retained a strong core by securing Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), and Saad Baig (Emerging).

The franchise also strengthened its lineup with the direct signing of an England all-rounder.

READ: T20 World Cup: Steve Smith earns surprise call-up to Australia squad

Pakistan wicket-keeper to replace Sikandar Raza in Quetta Qavalry

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has joined Quetta Qavalry as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise announced the update via social media, confirming that Raza would be unavailable due to national commitments and welcoming Azam as his replacement.

“Another powerhouse saddles up. Azam Khan joins the Qavalry squad as Sikandar Raza serves national duty. Khush Aamdeed, Impact Khan,” the franchise posted.

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Raza’s withdrawal comes as he prepares to lead Zimbabwe in their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan starting Wednesday in Harare, followed by a T20I tri-series in Pakistan featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka next month.

For Azam Khan, this marks another stint with a Quetta-based franchise, having previously represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2018 to 2021.

The hard-hitting batter has played 61 PSL matches, scoring 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 143.40, including six half-centuries.

He also brings global T20 experience, having featured in the ILT20, CPL, BPL, and LPL.

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However, at the international level, Azam is yet to make a strong impression, managing 88 runs in 14 T20Is for Pakistan at an average of 8.80 and a strike rate of 133.33.

Meanwhile, the debutant Quetta Qavalry has assembled a strong squad for their maiden campaign, featuring big names such as Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder, Mohammad Amir, Imran Tahir, and Muhammad Waseem.

The team will be coached by Yasir Arafat, with Javeria Khan serving as team director.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League

Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder, Azam Khan, Andries Gous, Muhammad Waseem, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Bin Tanvir, Abdul Ghaffar, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khawaja Nafay, Arafat Minhas, Umer Zeeshan Lohya and George Scrimshaw.

READ: Mike Hesson breaks silence on Mohammad Haris’ exclusion from T20I squad

‘I am working on my fitness’: Azam Khan unveils comeback plans

Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has opened up about his fitness and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

Azam Khan is the son of former Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan and is often under scrutiny due to fitness concerns.

The 27-year-old, known for his power hitting, has played 14 T20Is for Pakistan. However, unlike his domestic T20 record, he has not performed according to his stature on the international stage.

Azam Khan has so far scored just 88 runs in 13 innings at a modest average of 8.80, with 30 being his highest score.

In an interview with a sports platform, Azam Khan shed light on his fitness and cricketing career.

“Right now, I am in Lahore and trying to work on my fitness and game at the NCA [National Cricket Academy],” he said.

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“My weight loss would not happen in a couple of weeks or in a couple of days. It needs time, and for the past four or five years, I have been playing a lot of cricket, so I didn’t have the time to focus on my fitness,” he added.

He further revealed his eating habits, noting that it is no longer an excuse.

“I had some bad eating habits, but that’s not an excuse anymore,” said Azam Khan.

The right-hander, who last appeared in T20Is during the 2024 World Cup, expressed his desire to represent the national team again and stressed the importance of hard work in achieving excellence.

“The plans are to play at the highest level, and to play at the highest level, you have to train to be the best. There are a lot of players who have played internationally, and they have vanished.

If I have to sustain, then I have to work like the double of what I am doing now,” he concluded.

READ: ‘I was surprised’: New Zealand pacer recalls MS Dhoni’s 2019 semi-final knock

Shadab comes to Azam Khan’s defence over fitness criticism

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan has come out in strong support of teammate Azam Khan, brushing aside concerns over the wicketkeeper’s fitness after their victory over Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Sunday.

Addressing the media during the post-match press conference, Shadab made it clear that Azam’s performance on the field outweighs any fitness debates, especially when it comes to his role within the franchise.

“There shouldn’t be any questions about Azam’s fitness; we can cover for him,” Shadab said.

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“I’m not saying he should necessarily be in the Pakistan team, but in our franchise, we provide him cover, and he always performs for us. Yes, fitness is important, but for us, his performance matters more.”

Azam Khan was promoted to open the innings for Islamabad United in a modest 129-run chase, alongside Sahibzada Farhan.

The wicket-keeper scored a composed 31 off 30 deliveries, laying a strong foundation with Sahibzada Farhan (30 off 18) for a smooth pursuit, while Shadab himself anchored the innings with a match-defining 47 off 40 balls.

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Earlier, Islamabad United’s bowling unit put in another disciplined effort to restrict Karachi Kings to 128/7. Shadab led from the front with figures of 2 for 17, while Naseem Shah continued his impressive run with 2 for 29.

With this result, defending champions Islamabad United remain unbeaten in the tournament, registering their fourth consecutive win to further consolidate their position at the top of the table.

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Former Australian cricketer hails Azam Khan as a ‘rare player’

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody, who is serving as the Director of Cricket for Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20), has heaped high praise on explosive Pakistan wicket-keeper Azam Khan.

The young wicket-keeper is part of the Desert Vipers squad, alongside his compatriots Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Amir, for the 2025 season of the ILT20, which will kick off later today.

Moody, during an interview, acknowledged Azam’s batting abilities and expressed hope that he would prove to be a real asset for Desert Vipers this season.

“We all know what he [Azam Khan] is capable of doing. He’s one of those rare players who, from ball one, can hit the ball out of the ground,” Tom Moody stated.

“Having players like that in this format of the game is a real bonus. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to having a really impactful season for us.”

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Moody also praised Mohammad Amir, highlighting his quality while expressing excitement to work with the Pakistan pacer again.

“Amir is an outstanding bowler. He was with us last year, and we know what he’s capable of. I’ve worked with Amir in other tournaments, and he’s a real asset,” he said.

“There’s no question about his quality and class as a quick bowler. It’s exciting to have him with us again.”

For the unversed, Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir represented Desert Vipers in the last season as well. Amir returned with 12 wickets in nine games at an average of 21.08.

Meanwhile, Azam smashed 159 runs in seven innings at an average of 31.80 and a whopping strike-rate of 176.66.

READ: Tamim Iqbal retires from international cricket again

WATCH: Azam Khan suffers bizarre dismissal after being hit on neck

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan on Friday, coped with a bizarre dismissal in the second match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024.

Azam, representing Guyana Amazon Warriors in the recently-commenced tournament was hit by Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ pacer Shamar Springer’s bouncer.

The incident occurred on the third delivery of the 12th over of the run chase when Springer bowled a short-pitched delivery just outside off and Azam charged down the pitch and got late for the pull shot.

The ball hurried away onto the right-handed batter and thudded on his neck after brushing his right shoulder and deflected onto the stumps.

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Azam Khan then fell to his knees, visibly in pain, resulting in the team physio rushing towards him. After receiving medical attention he was helped on his way to the dressing room by the physio.

The hard-hitting batter managed to score a run-a-ball nine with the help of one boundary.

For the unversed, Azam Khan’s side Guyana Amazon Warriors cruised to a thrilling three-wicket victory courtesy of Dwaine Pretorius, who smashed 18 runs off the final over bowled by Mohammad Amir.

The left-arm pacer started well as he barred Pretorius from scoring with a delivery, angled across and out of the batter’s arc.

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He then looked to cramp the batter in his legs with a yorker but bowled a low full toss instead and paid the price as Pretorius hit it for a boundary behind square.

Pretorius glimmered a ray of hope for the Warriors with another boundary towards the same region.

After being hit for consecutive boundaries, Amir seemed to have recovered as he bowled a dot ball but faltered on the penultimate delivery as he pitched it a bit short while attempting to bowl a wide yorker and was hit for the third four in the over.

Warriors then needed four runs off the last ball and Mohammad Amir went again for the wide yorker but bowled a fraction short into the slot. Pretorius lined it up, went through the line and smashed it over long off to snatch a thrilling victory for his side.

READ: Ramiz Raja offers a piece of advice to Babar Azam amid rough patch

Rashid Latif comes out in support of under-fire Azam Khan

Former Pakistan Test cricketer Rashid Latif came out in support of young wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan, who has been under criticism for his below-par performances.

Azam, who has been a regular part of the Pakistan team since the away T20I series against Ireland, has been struggling to make an impact both with the bat and behind the wickets.

His series of poor performances drew severe criticism from fans and also from notable former cricketers.

As a result, Azam Khan deleted all of his Instagram posts on June 3.

Meanwhile, coming to his aid, Rashid Latif stated that the young wicketkeeper does not deserve to be treated this way.

“He is under immense pressure. He is being body-shamed, is being trolled. Azam is an exceptional batsman in T20s,” said Rashid.

“He is a clean hitter, plays spinners well, has worked on his game against the pacers. I feel bad for the kid, he is only 25. He doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” he added.

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Azam Khan, who made his T20I debut for Pakistan in 2021, has only managed just 88 runs in 12 innings at an average of just 9.78 with the best score of 30 not out which came against the second T20I against Ireland last month.

Earlier this month, Rashid Latif advised Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam to assign Mohammad Rizwan with gloves behind the stump instead of Azam Khan.

“One of the biggest issues being faced by Pakistan is the Azam Khan’s wicketkeeping. The team has two wicketkeepers, Usman Khan and Muhammad Rizwan. Babar Azam should go with Mohammad Rizwan for the wicket-keeping slot as he is the most senior,” Rashid Latif said after Pakistan’s defeat against England in the T20I series.

“Pakistan are not getting their combination right, which is their biggest problem. Not only shuffle, but players need to be prepared to play at floating roles now in T20 cricket as per the match situation,” Rahid Latif added.

READ: Rohit Sharma achieves multiple T20I milestones against Ireland

Haseebullah replaces Azam Khan in Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20I

LAHORE: Wicketkeeper batter Haseebullah Khan on Sunday, replaced Azam Khan in Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

“The national selection committee has announced wicketkeeper/batter Haseebullah as the replacement player for Azam Khan, who was sidelined from the T20I series against New Zealand due to a tear in his right calf muscle, stated PCB in a brief press release.

According to the details, Haseebullah will join the Pakistan team after the third T20I and will be available for selection in the remaining two T20Is, scheduled to be played in Lahore on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

The 21-year-old Haseebullah made his sole T20I appearance against New Zealand earlier this year.

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For the unversed, Azam Khan, who missed the first T20I due to discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle, was subsequently ruled out of the entirety of the series on Saturday.

“Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle,” stated PCB.

“Consequently, Azam will be unable to participate in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, which culminates in Lahore on April 27,” the statement added.

Notably, the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand is squared off at 1-1 after Mark Chapman’s astonishing knock powered the visitors to a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the third T20I.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haseebullah (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

READ: Chapman stars as New Zealand stun Pakistan to keep series alive

Azam Khan ruled out of New Zealand T20Is

LAHORE: Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has been ruled out of the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand due to injury in his right calf muscle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday.

“Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle,” the PCB said in a statement.

Consequently, the PCB said the right-handed batter will be unable to participate in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, which culminates in Lahore on April 27.

Azam will now depart from the Pakistan men’s cricket team and report to the National Cricket Academy, where he will commence his rehabilitation process under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.

The discomfort in Azam’s right calf was first noticed during batting practice in the pre-first T20I training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

For the unversed, the highly-anticipated first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off due to persistent rain here.

Only a two-ball action was possible at the picturesque Pindi Cricket Stadium as the rain returned after Shaheen Shah Afridi’s early wicket.

As soon as it started raining again, the on-field umpires shook hands with the players and decided to call off the match.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.

READ: Shahid Afridi reacts to Rohit Sharma’s Pakistan-India Test comment

Azam Khan doubtful for New Zealand series due to injury concern

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan is doubtful for the T20I series against New Zealand owing to discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued an update on Azam Khan’s injury ahead of the first T20I against New Zealand today.

“During Wednesday’s training session, Azam Khan experienced discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle while batting in the nets. He promptly received medical attention and treatment,” the PCB said in a statement.

“Azam is currently under the care of the medical team, and a decision regarding his participation in the upcoming matches against New Zealand will be made pending the results of radiology reports.

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“The PCB will provide further updates in due course.”

It is worth mentioning here that Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.

Pakistan squad

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

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