Azam Khan stunned critics with his smashing knock in his debut performance against Islamabad United in the first match of PSL 5.
Earlier, Azam Khan received a disappointing welcome from the crowd that derided him for being over-weight and son of the former cricketer, Moin Khan who is also the coach of PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators. The crowd heckled him with calls of ‘aloo’ (potato) and ‘parchi’ in National Stadium yesterday.
#BilalAshraf lauds Gladiators star #AzamKhan's blistering innings in HBL PSL 5 opener#TheNews #HBLPSLV https://t.co/fumoe4HFAi
— The News (@thenews_intl) February 21, 2020
However, spectators softened and started cheering him as soon as he unleashed a smashing knock against Islamabad United. Scored 59 runs, he sailed defending champions Quetta Gladiators to victory.
He, however, expressed displeasure over boorish heckling from the crowd in the stadium. Adding that such things won’t dispirit him. He will continue to silence his critics with his performance.
Proud of this young lad #AzamKhan . pic.twitter.com/rQ094pwfgF
— Main Abdul Majid Hoon (@ComicsByMajid) February 20, 2020
“I am not bothered by criticism and try to avoid it, but it hurts to see people being so negative about me,” said Azam. “I am confident in my ability and the only thing I can do is reply with my bat and that’s what I am going to do in the future as well.”
“I don’t get demoralized by negative comments. You can’t silence anyone here. Once you perform, those negative comments will turn into praises,” he added.
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He expressed gratitude to the management of Quetta Gladiators for selecting him in the team.
Amazing Half Century by The Titan Azam Khan (59 Runs of 32 Balls)#WeTheGladiators #PurpleForce #ShanePakistan #HBLPSLV pic.twitter.com/cWR8a6QT0t
— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) February 20, 2020
“Gladiators team management had given me a lot of confidence and assured me that I am going to get an opportunity to play,” he said. “They worked with me in nets, so I am really happy that I was able to fulfill their expectations today.”
“As far as my weight is concerned, I was working on my fitness for the past four to five months which has helped me a lot,” he added.
Azam Khan has hailed Babar Azam his idol. “As far as my batting idol is concerned, I look up to Babar Azam as he is a top performer in every format. He plays so effortlessly so I will try to emulate that,” he said in the post-match ceremony.
On the other hand, commentators Ramiz Raja came under fire on social media for body-shaming Azam Khan as ‘mota ladu’ during the match.
Ramiz Raja body shames Azam Khan by calling him laddu on an International platform. Why is this okay ?
— Sara (@BauhatSara) February 20, 2020
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