Azam Khan has long been talked about for his explosive batting talent, but just as often questioned for his fitness. Now, the wicketkeeper-batter is working to change that narrative.
On social media this week, Azam revealed that he has shed 10 kilograms as part of a renewed focus on conditioning, a move that could open doors for him in both domestic and international cricket.
For years, the 27-year-old has been labelled one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in Pakistan’s domestic and franchise circuits. His ability to clear boundaries with ease made him a regular feature in T20 leagues around the world. But while his power was never in doubt, his evident weight issues often became stumbling blocks to cementing a place in the national team.
Azam’s battle with fitness has been no secret. He has previously spoken about the challenges of maintaining the required physical standards for modern-day cricket, especially in a side where the bar has been set high by leaner, more agile contemporaries. His last stint with the Pakistan team was overshadowed by criticism over his wicket-keeping lapses and questions about his suitability at the highest level.
This latest step, however, signals a shift. Losing 10 kilograms is no small feat, and the transformation could be a springboard for a sustained international career, if he continues to put in the hard work.
Azam’s batting talent is unarguable. Few in Pakistan cricket strike the ball as cleanly or change the tempo of a T20 innings as quickly. The missing piece has always been fitness and if he can keep his body in check and prove his endurance at the highest level, he may yet carve out a meaningful future in green.
With Pakistan still on the lookout for a new wicket-keeper in limited-overs formats, Azam Khan’s resurgence comes at an opportune moment. His fight with fitness is far from over, but if his latest progress is any indication, the door to international cricket might just swing open again.