ENG vs PAK: Watch: "Do some research" - Fakhar Zaman destroys journalist for being disrespectful towards Azam Khan

Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman has leaped in defense of his under-pressure teammate Azam Khan as he shut down a journalist after the latter accused the Pakistan team of favoritism.

The journalist came up with the question a day after Pakistan announced their 15-member squad for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Azam Khan has made the cut for the marquee event and his selection has indeed raised a number of eyebrows.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has constantly faced criticism for his fitness and his poor start in international cricket has only made things worse for him. Son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan, Azam has played 11 T20Is so far and has managed to score a modest 77 runs at an average of 11. He, however, recently impressed with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 30 and 18 against Ireland.

However, his selection in the World Cup squad has not gone down well with many including the journalist. As Fakhar Zaman was addressing the media ahead of the second T20I against England, the journalist accused the Pakistan team of selecting players on recommendation and cited Azam's name as an example.

"There are some players who are selected on recommendation like Azam Khan whose fitness is not up to the mark at all. Should other deserving players get a chance instead of such players?" said the journalist.

Fakhar Zaman defends Azam Khan:

Fakhar Zaman was clearly not impressed with the question from the journalist and decided to shut him down. The hard-hitting batsman started by giving him a suggestion as he rhetorically told him not to pick Azam Khan in the squad when he picked the team.

Speaking further, Fakhar Zaman told the journalist that he was being disrespectful towards Azam and urged him to focus more on the way the wicketkeeper-batsman has managed to find a place in the Pakistan team.

"If you make a team then don't pick him. The team is picked Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful toward a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," said Fakhar Zaman.

"Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.

Fakhar zaman ne journalist ki class ly li#ENGvPAK #PAKvsENG #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/wJa4LTndRs

— Urooj Jawed🇵🇰 (@uroojjawed12) May 24, 2024

Meanwhile, the first T20I between Pakistan and England was washed out without a ball being bowled. The second game is scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 25).