Azam Khan Focuses on Fitness at NCA

Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan has been open about his current fitness journey and training regimen at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) situated in Lahore.

In a discussion with a sports outlet, the athlete, age 27, underscored the difficulties encountered in prioritizing personal physical conditioning alongside professional cricket commitments.

“Currently, I am in Lahore, dedicating my efforts to improve both my physical form and cricketing skills at the NCA,” Azam stated.

“Achieving substantial weight reduction is a gradual process, not an immediate one. Over the past four to five years, my heavy involvement in cricket has limited my capacity to concentrate adequately on my fitness,” he elaborated.

Azam, the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, has frequently faced examination concerning his fitness levels.

He acknowledged that his past dietary choices had contributed to his challenges, yet he asserted that he no longer uses them as a justification.

“I previously maintained unfavorable eating habits, but that is no longer a valid excuse,” he commented.

The right-handed player, whose last international appearance for Pakistan was during the 2024 T20 World Cup, restated his desire to represent his nation again.

He highlighted the necessity of relentless effort and consistency in order to sustain a prolonged international career.

“The objective is to compete at the highest level, which necessitates rigorous training to reach peak performance. Numerous players have participated internationally only to fade away. To ensure my longevity in the sport, I must work even harder than I am currently,” he remarked.

Azam has participated in 14 T20Is for Pakistan but has yet to translate his impressive domestic performance onto the international stage. He has accumulated a mere 88 runs across 13 innings, averaging 8.80, with a highest score of 30.

His most recent match was against the USA during the T20 World Cup held in Dallas in June 2024.