Azam Khan’s Fitness Transformation Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Azam Khan, the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, has long faced criticism for his fitness levels and inconsistent performances. Many fans and former cricketers believe that he is not fit enough to represent Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Surprising Weight Loss Reports

Recently, social media has been flooded with claims that Azam Khan has undergone a massive transformation, allegedly losing 69 kg in just two months. Although the accuracy of this claim is uncertain, it highlights Azam’s renewed commitment to his fitness. Back in 2021, it was reported that he lost 30 kg in one year through disciplined training and lifestyle changes.

Early Struggles and Nepotism Allegations

Azam made his professional debut at age 20 with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where his father Moin Khan was also the coach. This led to criticism and allegations of nepotism. In his debut season in 2019, he scored just 12 runs in one match, and his poor performance in domestic cricket added to the backlash.

Emotional Toll on the Cricketer

Facing constant criticism, Azam once shared, “People will always judge me because my father played for Pakistan. But it’s not my fault I was born in his house…” He even wrote about the negativity in his personal diary, revealing the emotional toll such comments had on him.

Fitness Journey Over the Years

Following the criticism, Azam dedicated significant time to improving his health. He spent months at Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy, adopting a strict diet and rigorous gym sessions. Within a year, he successfully lost 30 kg and visibly improved his stamina and agility.

Career Ups and Downs

Azam showed promise in the 2022 PSL, finishing among the top ten run-scorers and earning a debut for the national team. He also played in overseas leagues like the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and was signed by the Desert Vipers for the ILT20. However, PCB did not permit him to participate in the latter.

Missed World Cup Opportunities

Although initially selected for the 2021 T20 World Cup squad, Azam was replaced by Sarfaraz Ahmed due to “certain performance criteria.” He was also overlooked for the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Strong Response to Critics

Azam has consistently defended himself, saying, “It’s not about being overweight. It’s about performance. If a guy is scoring 400 runs and he is super-fit, and another guy is scoring 800 runs but not super-fit, I will choose the one who scored 800 runs. That’s my point of view.”