Azam Khan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, has opened up about one of the most humiliating moments of his career, following a difficult spell with the national team. After failing to make a mark in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Azam was dropped from the squad and has not featured for Pakistan since. In a candid interview, the 25-year-old recalled a specific match against England in 2024 that left him emotionally shattered.
Azam, the son of former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan, had been under pressure throughout his career. Despite earning chances to prove himself, he struggled to deliver, with no half-centuries in his 14 T20I appearances between 2021 and 2024. His fielding also came under heavy criticism, alongside concerns about his fitness. In the 2024 World Cup, where Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, Azam’s form hit rock bottom.
Reflecting on his worst performance, Azam recalled a tense moment during the match against England.
“Mark Wood bowled the first bouncer and I left it. I thought, ‘okay, no big deal. We have bowlers in Pakistan who bowl at 150 kph too,’” Azam recalled. “But when he bowled the second bouncer, I was stunned. I thought, ‘what just happened to me? My life paused for a moment.’”
Things took a turn for the worse when Azam injured his finger during the match. “When my finger started hurting, I knew I was out,” he said. The situation worsened as the crowd at The Oval began to abuse him, adding to the pressure.
Azam revealed an incident that hit him hard: “A Pakistani reporter asked a drunk Englishman about his favourite Pakistan player. The man replied, ‘Azam Khan, he can’t bat, can’t field.’ That broke me. I couldn’t believe it. Is this how people see me?”
“I dropped easy catches too. I was in tears. I kept thinking, ‘Why is this happening to me?’” Azam added, revealing the emotional toll of the experience.
In that match, Pakistan were bowled out for a mere 157 runs in 19.5 overs, with Azam being dismissed for a duck. England, chasing down the target, finished the game in just 15.3 overs, with seven wickets to spare.
The combination of on-field failures and the subsequent public backlash marked a low point in Azam Khan’s cricketing journey. Despite these struggles, the wicketkeeper remains hopeful about regaining his place in the national team, with his admission about the toughest moments in his career showcasing his resilience.