"Whole Pakistan team can cover two kilometres in 10 minutes while Azam Khan will take 20 minutes" - Mohammad Hafeez slams youngster's fitness level

Former Pakistan men's cricket team director Mohammad Hafeez has questioned Azam Khan's commitment to international cricket. The ex-Pakistan captain said that the youngster would need about 20 minutes to cover two kilometers during running drills.

Azam's fitness has been a major talking point over the last few weeks as Pakistan struggle to deliver good performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The 25-year-old's poor keeping and batting have forced the management to axe him from the XI.

Speaking to a local news channel, Hafeez claimed:

"The whole Pakistan team can cover two kilometres in 10 minutes while Azam Khan will take 20 minutes to cover the distance. Sadly, Azam Khan is not serious in playing the international cricket."

Azam made his international debut in 2021, but has managed only 88 runs in 14 T20Is at 8.80 alongside a best of 30*. He also perished for a golden duck on his T20 World Cup debut.

"We gave him a fitness plan, but he could not improve" - Mohammad Hafeez

Hafeez further reminded that the selectors have compromised on fitness levels to accommodate Azam in the team, adding:

"Being lean or oversize is never an issue for me, but you need to work according to the needs of the game. You need to bring your fitness to a 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 need to respond in case of fitness. You are the only one in the team on whom we have compromised on the grounds of fitness."

Meanwhile, Pakistan face the prospect of getting eliminated early from the T20 World Cup this year. After losing to USA and Team India, the Men in Green beat Canada, but their qualification chances appear slim, especially as rain is expected in Florida, were Pakistan will face Ireland on Sunday, June 16.