‘He is being body-shamed’ - Rashid Latif comes to Azam Khan’s defence amid scrutiny

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper batter, Azam Khan, has been under major spotlight in recent weeks. The 25-year-old has been body-shamed and trolled for his weight after his form declined in recent games. The star player has been in subpar form in the recently concluded England series, and the pressure continues to mount with the T20 World Cup 2024. 

However, ignoring his form, fans have taken to social media to body and fat shame the cricketer after he had a subpar outing as the keeper against England and dropped a few catches. 

Amid the scrutiny, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif came forward to Azam Khan’s defence, opining that the 25-year-old does not deserve the kind of hate that he is getting. He further heaped praise on Azam, stating that he is a clean hitter of the ball. 

“He is under immense pressure. He is being body-shamed, is being trolled. Azam is an exceptional batsman in T20s. He is a clean hitter, plays spinners well, has worked on his game against the pacers. I feel bad for the kid, he is only 25. He doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” Latif was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. 

Rizwan is Pakistan’s best keeper: Latif

Furthermore, Rashid Latif also stated that ace batter Mohammad Rizwan is Pakistan’s best choice as the wicketkeeper batter. The 55-year-old stated that Rizwan should be playing as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper and highlighted the importance of the role as well. 

“Rizwan is Pakistan’s best keeper and has been a warrior for this team. Wicketkeepers run the game from behind the stumps. It is not only about DRS but the other facets of the game as well. Now he is fielding in the deep, which is wrong. Babar doesn’t have that captaincy acumen, he needs Rizwan and if Rizwan is not Pakistan’s keeper, Pakistan will struggle in the World Cup,” Latif said.

Also Check: IPL versus PSL is no debate, everyone knows the truth: Rashid Latif [Exclusive Interview]

Runners-up of the T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan will begin their campaign by taking on the co-hosts, the USA in the 11th game of the tournament.