Amid criticism, Faqqan Zaman has given his full support to young goalkeeper Azam Khan.©AFP
Pakistan batsman Fakhan Zaman is rooting for young keeper Azam Khan amid criticism over his selection in the national team for the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Fakhar slammed a reporter when he asked if Azam’s selection in the national team was on a “sifarish” (recommendation). The 25-year-old Azam has been a star in T20 leagues across the world. However, he has struggled to score runs in the Pakistan jersey. He has scored just 88 runs for Pakistan at a dismal average of 11.
Fakhar, however, defended Azam and suggested that the youngster was picked by the selectors on the basis of his past performances.
A reporter asked him whether another player should have remained in the team to take Azam’s place due to his fitness.
“If you are making a team, don’t select him. The team was picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. Your comments are disrespectful to the player. You have to see how he found his place in the team. He was selected for his performances in the CPL,” Fakhar told a press conference.
Fakhar urged journalists to conduct research instead of making such petty statements.
“Please do research how a player like Azam Khan got into the national team. Even I can tell you are here on 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 with a loss 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 their 20 overs, with captain Jos Buttler leading the way with a knock of 84.
Reece Topley then took three wickets to help the hosts restrict Pakistan to 160. The win gave England a 1-0 lead in the four-match series after the first match was abandoned due to rain.
The final two games of the series will be played on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
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