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Azam Khan
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Azam Khan: The Power-Hitting Wicketkeeper of Pakistan Cricket
Azam Khan, born on 10 August 1998 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, is a renowned Pakistani cricketer and a formidable power-hitter. He is known for his aggressive batting style and impressive wicket-keeping skills. Azam Khan represents Islamabad United and Sindh in domestic cricket and has been a prominent figure in franchise leagues across the globe. He is the son of legendary Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan, who himself was a wicket-keeper and a key player for Pakistan. Despite facing criticism early in his career, Azam has evolved into a match-winning player with his sheer determination and passion for the game.Quick Profile & Career Overview
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Azam Khan |
| Date of Birth | 10 August 1998 |
| Age | 26 |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Wicket-Keeper |
| Father | Moin Khan |
| International Debut | 16 July 2021 (T20I) vs England |
| Domestic Teams | Quetta Gladiators, Sindh, Islamabad United, Khulna Tigers, Barbados Royals, Galle Gladiators |
| IPL Teams | N/A |
| T20I Shirt No. | 77 |
Early Life and Personal Background
Azam Khan was born into a cricketing family on 10 August 1998 in Karachi, Pakistan. His father, Moin Khan, was a legendary wicket-keeper and a former captain of Pakistan. Growing up, Azam faced immense pressure to live up to his father's legacy. Despite being criticized for his fitness levels, he remained determined to build his own identity as a cricketer. Azam trained rigorously to improve his fitness before the 2020 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he lost 14 kg in just four months. Additionally, he is passionate about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which he believes helps him handle fast bowling. Azam is also an avid guitar player and often sings to relax before matches.Domestic Career
Azam Khan made his List A debut for Pakistan Television during the 2018–19 Quaid-e-Azam One Day Cup. His T20 debut came in March 2019 when he played for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).Franchise Cricket
Azam has represented several teams in domestic and franchise cricket, showcasing his power-hitting skills and quick reflexes behind the stumps.Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Azam's journey in PSL started with Quetta Gladiators. Despite a slow start, he gradually made his mark as a reliable middle-order batsman and a dependable wicket-keeper. In PSL 2022, he moved to Islamabad United, where he played some remarkable innings, including several quickfire 30s and 40s.| Team | Season | Matches | Runs Scored | Average | Best Score |
| Quetta Gladiators | 2018-2021 | 19 | 316 | 19.75 | 47 |
| Islamabad United | 2022-present | 34 | 642 | 28.2 | 80* |
Lanka Premier League (LPL)
Azam joined Galle Gladiators in the LPL and made a solid impact with his aggressive batting. He continued his impressive form by scoring quick runs in the middle and lower order.Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
In 2021, Azam was picked by the Barbados Royals. Although his performances were moderate, his power-hitting abilities caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide.Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
Playing for Khulna Tigers in 2023, Azam scored his maiden T20 century with a spectacular 109 off 58 balls*. His explosive innings included 8 sixes and 12 fours, displaying his dominance against pace and spin alike.International Career
Azam Khan made his T20I debut for Pakistan against England on 16 July 2021. Despite the initial struggles to adapt to the international arena, he remained committed to improving his game.International Records and Performances
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Highest Score | Catches/Stumpings |
| T20I | 14 | 88 | 9.78 | 30* | 4/0 |
Key Performances
- Scored 30 off 10 balls against Ireland in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
- Played crucial knocks for Pakistan in the West Indies tour, contributing with quick runs.
Strengths and Skills
1. Power Hitting
Azam is renowned for his explosive batting, often clearing the boundary with ease. His ability to accelerate the innings makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.2. Wicket-Keeping Excellence
Being a natural wicket-keeper, Azam Khan is proficient in glovework, taking sharp catches and executing quick stumpings.3. Mental Toughness
Growing up under the shadow of his father, Azam developed a resilient mindset. Despite facing heavy criticism, he never gave up and continued to improve his game.Challenges and Criticisms
Azam Khan faced harsh criticism for his fitness standards at the start of his career. Many questioned his ability to cope with fast bowling and deliver consistently. However, Azam responded by shedding 14 kilograms before the 2020 PSL, proving his commitment to the game. Another challenge was living up to the legacy of his father, Moin Khan. Despite the expectations, Azam established his own unique identity in the cricketing world.Playing Style and Technique
Azam Khan's batting style is dominated by power-hitting. His ability to clear the ropes with ease makes him an ideal T20 batter. He often targets the mid-wicket and long-on regions, displaying a preference for leg-side dominance. As a wicket-keeper, he is agile behind the stumps and possesses safe hands for catching and stumpings.Notable Achievements
- First T20 Century: Scored 109 off 58 balls* for Khulna Tigers.
- PSL 2022: Played a key role in Islamabad United's campaign, hitting several quickfire fifties.
- Domestic Stalwart: Consistently scoring runs for Sindh and Southern Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.