Azam Khan's career under threat due to fitness concerns, claims Salman Butt as he issues colossal warning

Former Pakistan opening batter Salman Butt feels that wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan has no one to blame for his criticism but himself and his fitness. 

Salman Butt's comments came after Azam Khan registered yet another golden duck in his T20I career which began only a few years ago for Pakistan. The right-hand batter has not found it easy to perform well in the international circuit and he has been specifically disappointing when it comes to proving himself against quality bowling line-ups. 

Yesterday in the 4th T20I against England at the Kia Oval stadium, Azam Khan's weakness against the bouncer was exposed by pacer Mark Wood. As a result of that lethal bouncer from Wood, the middle-order batsman departed for a 5-ball duck and was a major reason behind Pakistan's failure in scoring a 180+ total following a positive start. 

What did Salman Butt say about Azam Khan?

While speaking on his latest YouTube video about the assessment of the 4th T20I between England and Pakistan, Salman Butt had a choice of words for Azam Khan. The former opening batter started off by saying that the player will forever be criticized if he doesn't perform and doesn't score runs consistently. 

Salman Butt is of the belief that Azam Khan himself invites criticism with open arms and is somehow a walking subject of criticism. Butt said this all because of the players' fitness levels and his problem against the short ball which came to the fore yesterday. Azam had arrived at a crucial juncture of the 1st innings when Pakistan were 84/4. 

The visitors needed a strong partnership between two batters and it was really a perfect platform for Azam Khan to showcase his talent. But after facing 4 balls and scoring none, Mark Wood bowled a bouncer, which took a deflection from the glove before hitting his shoulder and ending up in the gloves of Phil Salt.

"Everything related to Azam Khan will be criticized whenever he doesn't perform. This is because what he presents is open to criticism. He invites criticism with the kind of fitness he carries. He had problems against the short ball," Butt said in his latest YT video. 

Butt suggests Azam Khan to think through about his cricketing career

Salman Butt went on to give a suggestion to Azam Khan giving a deep thought to his fitness if he wants to excel at the highest level. The former left-hand batter highlighted how Azam had his eyes closed when facing the bouncer off Mark Wood. Butt believes Azam's fitness is always going to remain under major scrutiny till the time he doesn't improve it.

"People are going to speak about him. The way he got out today, his eyes were closed while facing the short ball, and then his wicketkeeping. His fitness is always going to be under the scanner. I think he has to decide on his career. He should work on his fitness, otherwise, it is going to be very difficult for him to play," Salman Butt concluded.