The Pakistan national cricket team is looking forward to facing the Irish team in the 36th of 55 matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Both teams are in Group A of the ICC tournament, along with India, USA and Canada. India currently leads the points table, followed by USA.
Pakistan recently secured its first win of the T20 World Cup 2024 in a match against Canada. The team has revived its chances of making it to the Super 8 alongside India from Group A. This is only possible if the USA loses its next match against Ireland and Pakistan beats Ireland.
Azam Khan criticized for poor physical condition
The Pakistani team was the subject of numerous jokes and memes before the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup because of their decision to bring back the already retired Azam Khan into the team.
Azam Khan had retired from all forms of cricket 2 years ago. However, the Pakistani cricketer made a surprise comeback by announcing his readiness for the T20 World Cup 2024.
The player started Pakistan’s first match against the USA, which they lost in shameful fashion. Khan has been “rested” in the other two matches since then.
Azam Khan was relentlessly trolled by former cricketers, social media users and even Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who called him a bull.
Azam Khan seems to have gained a lot of weight which is affecting his ability to play cricket and be athletic on the field. This is a big burden for the Pakistan team.
Mohammad Hafeez joins Azam’s smear campaign
Speaking to a local news channel, former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez gave more insight into Azam’s fitness. “The entire Pakistan team can cover two kilometres in 10 minutes, while Azam Khan takes 20 minutes to cover the distance. Unfortunately, Azam Khan is not serious about playing international cricket,” he said.
“For me it is never a problem whether I am slim or oversized, but you have to train according to the demands of the game. You have to get your fitness to the required level. We gave him a fitness plan, but he [Azam] could not improve. You are in the team because of your talent but you have to react when it comes to your fitness. You are the only one in the team with whom we have compromised because of fitness,” Hafeez further revealed.
Pakistan are third in the Group A points table with two points from three matches, behind second-placed USA who have secured four points. India are first with three wins from three matches and six points.
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