Pakistan batsman Fakhan Zaman has thrown his weight behind young wicketkeeper Azam Khan amid criticism of his squad selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in America.
Fakhar lashed out at reporters after asking if Azam was selected in the team because of a “sifarish” (recom
mendation). The 25-year-old has played in T20 leagues around the world. However, when Azam donned the Pakistan jersey, it was hard to come.In matches for Pakistan, he scored just 88 runs at a poor average of 11. However, Fakhar defended Azam and suggested that the youngster was selected by the selectors based on his past performances. A journalist asked him if other players should have been in the team ahead of the “unfit” Azam.
“If you make a team, don’t pick him. Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam pick the team. What you said is disrespectful to the player. You have to see how he managed to find a place for himself in the team.” He was selected because of his performances in the CPL.” Fakhar said in a press conference.
Fakhar urged journalists to do research instead of making such lame remarks. “Please do your research on how a player like Azam Khan made it into the playing eleven. I too can say you came here on a recommendation.
So do your research before coming to the press conference.” he added. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup got off to a disappointing start as they lost to England in the second T20I of the four-match series in Birmingham.
Asked to bat first, England posted a total of 183/7 in 20 overs with skipper Jos Buttler leading the way with a knockout 84. Later, the hosts restricted Pakistan to 160 after Reece Topley registered three wickets.
The win gave England a 1–0 lead in the four-match series after the first match was washed out by rain. The last two games of the series are played on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.Topics mentioned in this article
