Pakistan batter Azam Khan has admitted that players hardly listen to coaches in regional cricket, while noting that the environment changes significantly in franchise cricket such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Azam made the remarks during a recent podcast where he discussed various aspects of Pakistan cricket. When the host asked him about the difference between playing for a PSL franchise and regional cricket, Azam was candid in his response.
“See, in regional cricket, we hardly even listen to the coaches, I think. That’s mostly how it is. But obviously…” Azam laughed, making a money gesture with his hand.
He added that the PSL commands a different level of respect, particularly given the presence of international players.
“It’s a really big tournament, and you know, international players are playing too. Now, captains like David Warner, obviously, he’s a legend. He’s played so much cricket that if he tells us something, it’s our job to listen.”
Azam, who plays for Karachi Kings in the PSL, also opened up about his weight loss journey, revealing he has shed 20kg.
He said, “It’s been a proper journey, and I even shared it on Instagram. But the journey isn’t over yet, not even halfway through. Alhamdulillah, obviously, when I was coming to the PSL, I had the mindset that I should be lighter with my body. So, Alhamdulillah, that happened. People think that if you lose 20kg, you’ll just shrink and be all skin and bones from top to bottom. But obviously, it takes time to get in proper shape. So, Alhamdulillah, I’m still on that journey. Let’s see how it goes ahead.”
Azam has been in strong form in the ongoing PSL, recently smashing 74 runs off 34 balls against Rawalpindiz to help Karachi Kings to a comfortable victory.
At international level, he has managed just 88 runs in 14 matches for Pakistan.
