Azam Khan defends himself against blame for Pakistan's 2024 T20 World Cup exit
Pakistan batter Azam Khan has pushed back against criticism of his fitness and form during the 2024 T20 World Cup, pointing to the team's loss to India.
Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan, 28, has rejected criticism that he was mainly responsible for his side's poor showing at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Speaking on a podcast, he said he played only one match, against the USA, and faced just one ball in that game.
He also questioned why he was singled out, pointing to Pakistan's defeat to India in New York on June 9, 2024. India were bowled out for 119, but Pakistan collapsed to 113 for 7 in 20 overs despite needing only 48 runs from the final eight overs. Jasprit Bumrah took 3 for 14 in that match, and Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 31.
Azam was dropped for the India game and did not play again in the tournament. Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage without reaching the Super Eight.