Pakistan fans refer to him as “parchi” (a term used to describe someone lacking talent but with connections). While his fitness may not be ideal for cricket, some believe nepotism is granting him chances with the team despite underperforming more than any other T20 batter in recent memory. Yes, we’re talking about Pakistan’s young wicketkeeper, Azam Khan.
It would be harsh to call him the worst cricketer outright, but according to fans and some experts, he consistently disappoints. However, opinions can be subjective. Let’s explore five reasons why some consider him a liability to the team.
1) Unfit to Play Cricket
You’d hardly think he’s a sportsman looking at him. He plays as wicketkeeper for Pakistan and has already dropped over 8 catches in his 12-innings T20 career. Weighing inat over 100kg with a height of 5’7″, his swift movement is hindered. His lack of agility necessitates role changes for the entire team. Their best wicketkeeper, Mohammad Rizwan, had to relinquish the wicketkeeping role to accommodate Azam Khan in the team.
Cricket rarely sees such unfit players. The last instance we can recall of a similar case was a Namibian player. Let’s face it, in any other international team, he wouldn’t even make it to the Under-16 or junior level cricket. But in Pakistan, a 100kg player can be considered their best wicketkeeper option.
2) Can’t Bat at all
In his short T20 cricket career, he has only twice passed the 10-run mark, and both instances were against Ireland. He has played against Afghanistan and Ireland in his T20 career, but he still only averages 10, which is a massive disappointment for a number 5 batsman. Azam Khan appears to only be effective in local-level cricket.
The international level demands professionalism, which he seems to completely lack. Azam Khan appears to only be effective in local-level cricket. He struggles against swinging deliveries, bouncers, and spinners. Not only can’t he play them well, but he also looks bewildered and helpless against quality bowlers.
3. Skills Needed for Success
If you ask Azam Khan about the skills he needs to be successful in international cricket, even he might struggle to answer. So far, the only talk surrounding him is his ability to hit big sixes. However, hitting sixes alone isn’t a guarantee of success, especially at the international level. Without proper footwork, weight transfer, and overall technical ability, Azam Khan appears to be relying on brute force, hoping to connect and clear the boundary.
International cricket, especially in countries like England, Australia, and the West Indies, is a different ball game compared to playing on the streets of Lahore or Karachi against bowlers with no international experience. The higher difficulty level demands a certain skillset that Azam Khan seems to be lacking.
4) Lacks Confidence
Confidence can make a big difference. In Babar Azam’s case, there’s no sign of it in his batting, demeanor, or approach. There’s nothing positive to be said about this. He’s clearly one of the worst batsmen of this generation, without a doubt. The way he reacts to the ball suggests he’s never seen such vicious, high-level bowling before.
While other young batsmen like definitely struggle, they react positively. They don’t lack confidence because they haven’t been beaten down easily. However, Azam Khan gets completely lost and looks devoid of confidence, making it seem like he simply doesn’t know how bad it is or how to react. If you lack confidence, don’t know how to handle pressure, and don’t know how to react, then what are you doing in international cricket?
5) Product of Nepotism
He didn’t rise through the ranks. He is a product of nepotism. His father, Moeen Khan, played for Pakistan from 1990 to 2004, and that’s the only reason his son is on the team. He kept making debuts at all levels of cricket without making any significant contributions or showing any exceptional talent.
International cricket requires a special kind of talent, and Azam Khan clearly lacks it. He kept making debuts at every level, culminating in his selection for Pakistan against Afghanistan. He looked completely out of his depth against Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Furthermore, his lack of focus on fitness between the wickets is a joke for international cricket. The way the Pakistan cricket team is operating is concerning.
