Pakistan cricketer Azam Khan has struggled to make his mark in international T20 cricket since his debut in 2021, managing just 88 runs in 14 matches. His fitness issues have been a recurring concern, and fans hold the view that his selection is tied to his cricket lineage, being the son of former cricketer Moin Khan. Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has now weighed in with an observation that’s making waves. “We all enjoy burgers, I do too, but as professional athletes, we need to exercise control,” he said according to a report. “At this level, diet and discipline are crucial. If Azam wants a long, successful career, fitness has to be his priority.”
Fitness Concerns and a Potential Path Forward
Younis Khan believes good food and fitness aren’t mutually exclusive. “There’s no shortcut,” he added. The issue is timely, given the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is currently in its 10th edition. The league has been marred by controversy. The live broadcast and streaming of PSL matches were recently halted in India. This happened after an attack on April 22. FanCode stopped live-streaming PSL matches, while Sony halted live broadcasts. According to a PCB source cited in an NDTV report, the move was prompted by the presence of over two dozen Indian citizens in the PSL production and broadcast crew. Steps are being taken to replace them, as they are integral to the smooth coverage of the league.
India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions
The tensions between India and Pakistan extend beyond the PSL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that India and Pakistan not be placed in the same group for upcoming ICC tournaments. This comes against the backdrop of an existing hiatus in bilateral cricket series between the two nations. The request highlights the ongoing complexities in the cricketing relationship between the two countries.
