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Salman Butt believes that Azam Khan bears sole responsibility for the criticism he faces, particularly concerning his fitness. Butt’s remarks came in response to Azam Khan’s recurring struggles in T20Is, where he has notably suffered numerous golden ducks since his relatively recent debut for Pakistan. Despite his potential, Azam has faltered, particularly against formidable bowling attacks.
In the recent 4th T20I against England at the Kia Oval, Azam Khan’s vulnerability to short-pitched deliveries was starkly highlighted by Mark Wood. Falling victim to a blistering bouncer, Azam departed without scoring, contributing to Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on a promising start and achieve a score exceeding 180.
Salman Butt expressed his belief that Azam Khan is solely responsible for the criticism he faces, attributing it to his own shortcomings, particularly in terms of fitness. Butt’s remarks were made in response to Azam Khan’s continued struggles in T20Is, where he has notably faced multiple golden ducks since his relatively recent debut for Pakistan. Despite his potential, Azam has consistently underperformed, especially against strong bowling attacks.
What did Salman Butt say about Azam Khan?
In his recent YouTube video analyzing the 4th T20I between England and Pakistan, Salman Butt didn’t hold back when discussing Azam Khan. The former opener emphasized that consistent performance and runs are crucial for any player to avoid criticism, suggesting that Azam himself invites scrutiny due to his inconsistent performances. Butt particularly highlighted concerns about Azam’s fitness and his struggle against short-pitched deliveries, which were evident in the match. Azam came to bat at a pivotal moment when Pakistan needed a solid partnership, but he failed to deliver, facing four balls without scoring before being dismissed by a bouncer from Mark Wood, deflecting off his glove and hitting his shoulder before being caught by Phil Salt.
“Everything related to Azam Khan will be criticized whenever he doesn’t perform. This is because what he presents is open to criticism. He invites criticism with the kind of fitness he carries. He had problems against the short ball,” Butt said in his latest YT video.
Butt advises Azam Khan to carefully contemplate his cricketing future.
Salman Butt urged Azam Khan to seriously consider his fitness if he aspires to succeed at the elite level of cricket. The former left-handed batsman pointed out Azam’s vulnerability when facing Mark Wood’s bouncer, noting that his eyes were closed during the delivery. Butt emphasized that Azam’s fitness will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny until he makes significant improvements in that aspect of his game.
“People are going to speak about him. The way he got out today, his eyes were closed while facing the short ball, and then his wicketkeeping. His fitness is always going to be under the scanner. I think he has to decide on his career. He should work on his fitness, otherwise, it is going to be very difficult for him to play,” Salman Butt concluded.
