Karachi: After being picked by Islamabad United for the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League, wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan says he is no longer under pressure from his father Moin Khan.
The right-handed batsman played last PSL season for Quetta Gladiators under the coaching of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan.
In an interview with Geo News, Azam said that he was always under scrutiny and attracted unnecessary criticism.
He said that now he will play PSL 2022 without any pressure as he has been transferred from Quetta Gladiators to Islamabad United.
He added: "Now I am playing for another franchise with a different coaching staff, so, it is a new experience for me and I will definitely be relieved of that extra pressure."
"This is a big opportunity for me to play with Islamabad United as a wicket-keeper batsman and it will give me a chance to showcase my talent," Azam said.
Azam faced severe criticism for his fitness and the young batsman says that he has worked hard to improve his fitness standards in the last two years.
Shadab Khan of Islamabad United also spoke about Azam's fitness last week.
He had said, 'Azam is a very talented cricketer and fitness is the only issue with him.
Shadab continued: "Now, we will try to improve his fitness standards as well because I think once he reaches the required fitness criteria, he will be one of the best."
Khan backed his captain's views and said it was important for him to maintain his fitness level.
“When you are picked by different sides, you are always under a scanner and the expectations of the team are high.
As a professional player, it is now my job to live up to their expectations and I have worked hard to maintain my standard.
PSL 2022 preparation
He praised the Islamabad United captain and said that Shadab has been an inspiration for him.
"He has always helped me improve my skills and my fitness, I look forward to learning from him," Azam said.
When asked about his preparations for the PSL, Azam said that he has not set big goals for himself and will try to perform as per the requirements of the team.
Azam also talked about the disappointment he faced for not being picked in Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad after being initially named in the squad by the selectors.
Disappointment was natural, but it is part of my career and I am glad that I went through such an experience early in my career.
Azam Khan further said that I have to say that now is the beginning of my career, when the time is right then there will be hundreds of opportunities for me.
“My ultimate goal is to make a comeback in the national team but I am not thinking much about the future. I don't take pressure of what to do in future, I prefer to live in the present and my present tells me to focus on PSL,” he said.