Azam Khan sheds 30 kilos to earn maiden Pakistan call-up

Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper batsman Moin Khan, has been named in Pakistan's T20I squad for the England and West Indies tour. The 22-year batsman has been on the selectors' radar for a while after consistent performances in domestic cricket but his overweight body structure made selectors conscious about his selection. Considering that T20I is a fast paced format and players need to be quick on their feet, the selectors asked Khan to trim down his 130 KG bodyweight.

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Khan worked hard and dropped around 30 KG and consequently was picked for the T20I squad. The hard-hitting batsman has a strike rate of 157 in 36 domestic games, including the Pakistan Super League. Azam Khan took to Twitter and expressed delight over his selection.

Unreal feeling right now.

Literally overwhelmed!

Representing your country is the ultimate goal of any professional athlete.

I want to thank both my supporters and critics for motivating me throughout my journey.

Work hard and dream big.

Pakistan zindabad.💚 pic.twitter.com/tPl7SlUEke

— M Azam Khan (@MAzamKhan45) June 4, 2021

"Unreal feeling right now. Literally overwhelmed! Representing your country is the ultimate goal of any professional athlete. I want to thank both my supporters and critics for motivating me throughout my journey. Work hard and dream big. Pakistan zindabad," tweeted Azam today. 

Pakistan will play three ODIs and as many T20Is in England before flying to the Caribbean to play five T20Is and two Tests. The team will board the flight to the UK on June 25 and will play the first ODI in Cardiff on July 8, after their mandatory quarantine. The first T20I will be played on 16th July in Nottingham.

Pakistan Schedule for England and West Indies tour.

England tour:

25 June – Departure for Manchester

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6 July – Arrival in Cardiff

8 July – 1st ODI, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

10 July – 2nd ODI, Lord’s, London

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13 July – 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Birmingham

16 July – 1st T20I, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

18 July – 2nd T20I, Headingley, Leeds

20 July – 3rd T20I, Old Trafford, Manchester

West Indies tour:

21 Jul – Arrival in Barbados

27 Jul – 1st T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados

28 Jul – 2nd T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados

31 Jul – 3rd T20I, Providence Stadium, Guyana

1 Aug – 4th T20I, Providence Stadium, Guyana

3 Aug – 5th T20I, Providence Stadium, Guyana

6-7 Aug – Two-day practice match, Guyana

12-16 Aug – 1st Test, Sabina Park, Jamaica

20-24 Aug – 2nd Test, Sabina Park, Jamaica

25 Aug – Departure