Imad Wasim has never been one to mince his words, and the seasoned all-rounder has offered some honest advice to his Islamabad United teammate Azam Khan as his career appears to be heading towards a crossroads.
Imad Wasim didn’t question Azam Khan’s talent—in fact, he praised it—but highlighted the need for greater fitness if the power-hitter is to reach his full potential.
“I advised Azam that he needs to lose a little weight. Not 40 kgs or 30 kgs, just a bit,” Imad said candidly. “He’s such a phenomenal talent, and he is showing it all over the world, and one season doesn’t make you a bad player. If he works hard during his time off, he can be a match winner on his own.”
Imad isn’t the first person to point out the obvious issue with the 26-year-old. Despite being an ideal candidate to represent Pakistan in the white-ball formats, Azam has not been able to carve out a place in the team due to his weight management issues. Fitness concerns—especially around agility behind the stumps and mobility in the field—have been a sticking point, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike during his brief run with the team.
Imad’s advice is both timely and layered. It reflects not just a teammate’s concern, but the perspective of a player who understands the demands of modern cricket—particularly in the fast-paced T20 arena, where physical readiness often separates the good from the great.
Despite his limitations, Azam Khan has become a renowned player in his own right across various domestic leagues. However, if he takes Imad’s advice to heart, there is no denying that he is a perfect candidate for Mike Hesson’s white-ball revolution. Whether that comes to pass remains to be seen, but there is no denying Azam Khan’s talent in the slightest.
via PakPassion
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