Tag: Azam Khan

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

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

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.

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Pakistan’s top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has appreciated young wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan for his courage and hard work during the recently concluded physical fitness camp in Kakul.

Twenty-nine cricketers attended the pre-season camp at the historic and iconic Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul from March 26 to April 6, with the training and drills designed by Pakistan Army experts and strategists.

During the camp, there was a focus on team building aimed to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they were in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.

Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players underwent a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.

Azam Khan’s consistent hard work during the fitness camp brought him to the forefront, despite being criticized for his fitness issues in the past.

Fakhar Zaman praised the explosive wicketkeeper highly in an interview on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official YouTube channel.

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“What impressed me the most is what Azam Khan has done. We were not expecting him to undergo such tough training, and naturally, his physique is such that we didn’t anticipate him to take up such challenges,” Zaman said.

“Despite that, the way he has pushed himself, even climbing mountains when we were hiking, I mean, we couldn’t believe he would make it to the top. If we all show such courage, it could be very beneficial.”

Zaman also reflected on the experience of undergoing a rigorous fitness regime at Kakul during the holy month of Ramadan while fasting.

“It was quite tough when I was here back in 2018, but this time, it wasn’t so tough, due to the holy month of Ramadan,” Zaman said.

“The training they conduct here is tough, but since it was Ramadan, they took great care and lightened the workload a bit.

“When your fitness is good, you also get good results, and our aim here was to build team bonding, which worked well. The training sessions, both on and off, have been excellent, and of course, there will be benefits from that,” he added.

Notably, both Fakhar Zaman and Azam Khan are part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, starting from 18 April.

READ: PCB provides an update on Ihsanullah’s elbow injury

LAHORE: Bilal Afzal, a member of Pakistan men’s selection committee, explained wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand.

Afzal, who also served as provincial minister under Mohsin Naqvi-led caretaker Punjab setup, revealed that Azam’s selection was a unanimous decision, considering his standout performances in the Caribbean.

“Selecting Azam Khan was a unanimous decision by the selectors. His performances (stats) on the pitches of the Caribbean have been a standout.

“We thought to give him a proper chance so he could prepare himself for the upcoming World Cup. It will build his confidence and we want him to win this World Cup for us,” he added.

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Despite boasting an exceptional record in franchise cricket, Azam Khan had a forgetful start to his international career, managing only 29 runs in eight matches with the highest score of 10.

Pakistan squad for T20I series against New Zealand

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

Non-travelling reserve: Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha.

New Zealand are slated to reach Pakistan on April 14, two days after Pakistan’s squad announcement, for the crucial series, leading to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April.

The two sides will then travel to Lahore to lock horns in the remaining two T20Is on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

READ: Mohammad Amir opens up after Pakistan comeback

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has recently opened up about the comments made by wicket-keeper Azam Khan about not getting clarity and confidence from the national team management.

Azam Khan made his comeback to the national team last month in the T20I series against New Zealand during Hafeez’s tenure as the team director.

However, the explosive batter failed to leave a lasting impression, scoring 22 runs in the first three matches before getting dropped from the last two matches.

Later, Azam Khan, in an interview with International League T20 (ILT20) franchise Desert Vipers, had expressed his reservations regarding his selection in the Pakistan team by lamenting on being made to play a handful of fixtures instead of a full series.

“I have always understood that when I play league cricket, I get a complete opportunity because they know I can win them games, so they are calling me here,” said Khan.

“That means either you [Pakistan coaches] are putting doubts in my mind that I am not good at this level, then it’s okay, then I will find my own way,” the wicket-keeper added.

Mohammad Hafeez, while responding to Azam Khan’s comments in the A-Sports show ‘The Pavilion,’ stated that he backed the young batter’s talent but also mentioned that he would have to work on his fitness.

“I promise you that I gave him total confidence. He was totally looked after and given clarity. Even after he couldn’t perform, I told him that I would look after him and he wouldn’t be forgotten,” Hafeez claimed.

The former all-rounder also addressed Azam Khan’s comments that franchise teams gave him more chances to showcase his talent.

“Franchises pick only four foreign players and give you ten games, even if you fail to perform. However, if you don’t perform in international cricket, you will face the pressure as there are guys waiting to take your place.”

READ: Shadab Khan blames technology error for loss against Quetta Gladiators

KARACHI: Azam Khan and Ammad Alam played blistering cameos to guide Karachi Whites to victory over Sialkot in the Super Eight stage match of the National T20 Cup 2023-24 at National Bank Stadium.

The Asad Shafiq-led team chased the 166-run target in 18 overs with six wickets to spare after restricting Sialkot to 165-9 in the first innings.

Sialkot won the toss and elected to bat first, but lost three batters inside the powerplay with the scorecard reading 57-3.

The fourth wicket fell on the last ball of the subsequent over, bringing the score to 60-4 in seven overs.

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Shoaib Malik, who came to the crease inside the powerplay after the fall of the second wicket, anchored the innings, hitting 54 from 44 deliveries including five fours and two sixes.

His effort helped take Sialkot to a respectable total as Sialkot captain Bilal Asif (22, 16b, 2x4s, 1×6) chipped in with some crucial runs as well.

Sohail Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Karachi Whites, as he returned with three wickets.

Right-arm fast bowler Aftab Ibrahim and left-arm spinner Danish Aziz had two scalps each while right-arm pacer Anwar Ali picked up a wicket as well.

Karachi Whites’ opening batter Ammad Alam took charge of the chase as he took only 16 deliveries to hit 43 runs, with two boundaries and five sixes.

However, His innings was cut short after he was caught off Usman Khalid’s bowling.

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Karachi Whites’ innings faltered in the middle as three more wickets fell and the scoring rate decreased.

Wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan brought back the momentum to the chase, picking up where Ammad had left off.

Azam produced an undefeated 59 from 24 balls, smashing six boundaries and four maximums, to see his side over the line with 12 deliveries to spare.

Right-arm pacer Mohammad Abbas and left-arm spinner Usman Khalid were the only two successful bowlers for Sialkot, yielding two wickets apiece as Karachi Whites successfully got to 166 with six wickets in the bag.

READ: PCB announces international cricketers registered for PSL 9 Draft

The upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 will feature three Pakistan players Azam Khan, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir.

The players’ draft for the upcoming 11th edition of the CPL took place on Friday, June 30.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir and his Karachi Kings’ teammate and captain Imad Wasim, who represented Jamaica Tallawhs in the previous edition of the league will reunite again for the defending champions.

Meanwhile, Azam Khan, who represented Barbados Royals in the last edition, will represent Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Warriors roped in Azam Khan for a $120,000 deal, making him the highest-paid Pakistan cricketer in the league.

The upcoming CPL edition will run from August 16 to September 24 in Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

Complete CPL 2023 schedule

August 16: St Lucia Kings v Jamaica Tallawahs (St Lucia, 7pm)

August 17: St Lucia Kings v Barbados Royals (St Lucia, 7pm)

August 19: Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (St Lucia, 10am); St Lucia Kings v Guyana Amazon Warriors (St Lucia, 7pm)

August 20: Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Royals (St Lucia, 10am); St Lucia Kings v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (St Lucia, 7pm)

August 23: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs (St Kitts 7pm)

August 24: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors (St Kitts, 7pm)

August 26: St Lucia Kings v Trinbago Knight Riders (St Kitts, 10am); St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Barbados Royals (St Kitts, 7pm)

August 27: Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors (St Kitts, 10am); St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (St Kitts, 7pm)

August 30: Barbados Royals v Trinbago Knight Riders (Barbados, 7pm)

August 31: Barbados Royals v Jamaica Tallawahs (Barbados, 7pm)

September 2: Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Barbados, 10am); Barbados Royals v St Lucia Kings (Barbados, 8pm)

September 3: Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders (Barbados, 10am); Barbados Royals v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Barbados, 8pm)

September 5: Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors (Trinidad, 7pm)

September 6: Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Royals (Trinidad, 7pm)

September 9: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Kings (Trinidad, 10am); Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs (Trinidad, 8pm)

September 10: Barbados Royals v Guyana Amazon Warriors (Trinidad, 10am); Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Kings (Trinidad, 8pm)

September 13: Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs (Guyana, 7pm)

September 14: Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Kings (Guyana, 7pm)

September 16: Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Guyana, 10am); Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders (Guyana, 7pm)

September 17: Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Kings (Guyana, 10am); Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Royals (Guyana, 7pm)

September 19: Eliminator – 3rd v 4th (Guyana, 7pm)

September 20: Qualifier 1 – 1st v 2nd (Guyana, 7pm)

September 22: Qualifier 2 – Winner Eliminator v Loser Qualifier 1 (Guyana, 7pm)

September 24: Final (Guyana, 7pm)

All times are local (BST-5)

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ISLAMABAD: Hard-hitting batter Azam Khan has not sustained a fracture, confirmed Islamabad United on Saturday. 

Azam was taken off the field during his side’s last encounter against Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League season 8 on Thursday.

The wicket-keeper batter sustained an injury in the ring finger of his left hand while performing his duty behind the stumps. He did not even come to bat later in that match.

Taking to Twitter, Islamabad United announced that the right-hander was currently being observed by the team doctor while confirming that he had not sustained a fracture.

It may be noted here that United lost their second clash against Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing PSL season 8 as they were bundled out for a meagre 107 while chasing a massive 227, giving defending champions a resounding 119-run victory.

READ: Multan Sultans’ Khushdil Shah fined for code of conduct violation

KARACHI: Islamabad United’s Azam Khan coined his father Moin Khan an inspiration for backing him despite all the odds following his match-winning knock against Quetta Gladiators in the 13th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

Azam stole the limelight with his astounding 97-run knock that fired the United to post a mammoth 220/6 against his former PSL franchise Gladiators.

The right-handed batter baton charged the Gladiators’ bowlers as he smashed them all over the park amid his magnificent knock that featured eight boundaries and nine gigantic sixes.

The young wicketkeeper batter has often been at the receiving end of criticism for his poor fitness despite his power-hitting abilities.

Meanwhile, following his match-winning knock, Azam praised his father Moin, the head coach of the Gladiators for backing him despite all the odds and making him mentally strong to face the criticism.

“When I met him [Moin] after the match, he praised my innings and asked me to continue performing,” Azam.

“My father is my biggest inspiration. He made me mentally so strong and always backed me to perform well despite all the odds. He already told me about the criticism and helped me fight against it. I hope I will keep on making him proud,” he added.

Azam then went on to highlight the importance of power-hitting and strike rate in T20s, stating that it is essential for a batter who plays down the order.

“Strike rate matters a lot in T20 cricket. It is my style of play and I really enjoy it,” said Azam.

“At the position where I bat, you get very limited time to set. In such a case, you have to be ready for hitting the ball hard,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that Azam’s United closed in with table-toppers Multan Sultans following their back-to-back triumph in the ongoing extravaganza.

The two-time champions tightened their grip on the second spot with six points in four matches behind the Sultans, who lead the standings with eight points in five matches.

READ: ‘Disappointed’ Gul optimistic for Gladiators comeback

KARACHI: New Zealand’s Colin Munro has lauded his Islamabad United teammate Azam Khan for his hard-hit batting abilities, saying he fails to understand ‘why one of the best batters in the country’ is not part of the Pakistan team. 

Munro, who played an outstanding knock of 28-ball 58 during Islamabad United’s four-wicket win over Karachi Kings in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) last night, said he found Azam an ‘amazing’ batter the way he bats and could not understand why he is out of Pakistan’s national side.

“My goodness if he (Azam) is one of best batters in the country, then why not get him in there (Pakistan team)” he said in a post-match press conference on Thursday.

Wicketkeeper batter Azam is one of the most sought-after players in franchise leagues throughout the globe. Known for his pinch-hitting, the right-hander smashed 48 from 28, including six fours and a six, yesterday and tightened his side’s grip on the game while chasing 174 runs.

The 24-year-old, who is playing his second PSL season for Islamabad United, rose to prominence during the 2018 edition of the PSL when he was picked by Quetta Gladiators, where his father and former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Moin Khan was a head coach.

He also made his international debut for Pakistan in 2021 against England in Nottingham.

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