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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi had some strong words from current Pakistani wicketkeeper Azam Khan after dismal performances against England in the four-game T20I series. Khan has been touted as Pakistan's wicketkeeper and lower-order finisher for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies.
But recent performance against England in the fourth T20I led to a lot of harsh criticism as he got out on duck as he attempted to fend away a Mark Wood short-ball and then dropped two easy catches. Speaking on a Pakistan news channel, Shahid Afridi had strong words for the 25-year-old as he asserted that he won't allow Azam Khan near the national team with his fitness.
Azam ko fitness pe team ke kareeb nahi aane dunga: Afridi
Afridi said, "Mai kabhi bhi Azam Khan ko fitness pe team ke kareeb nahi aane dunga (I won't let him come even near to the team based on fitness)." Though the former Pakistan captain had some words of encouragement for Khan but still expressed worry about his keeping against spin in the West Indies.
"I also praise him side by side. He is strong, powerful; his hitting is tremendous," sald Afridi, before talking about Khan's wicketkeeping. "As far as 'keeping, the ball caries In English conditions.
"(But) When you go to the West Indies (for the T20 World Cup), the ball won't carry that much there, it will stay low...so you have to keep your body low. To keep against spinners with such fitness (on slow and low tracks), I pray to God he doesn't struggle," added Afridi.
