Sports
Azam Khan Profile | Pakistan Cricket Player
Azam Khan, born on August 10, 1998, in Karachi, Pakistan, is a dynamic right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman known for his powerful hitting. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, he has played for various domestic teams, including Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League and Sindh in domestic cricket. Azam made his international debut for Pakistan in a T20I match against England on July 16, 2021. He is the son of former Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan, which provided him with early exposure to the game. Beyond cricket, Azam has a passion for music and is a self-taught guitarist, often using music as a way to de-stress before matches.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Azam Khan |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Age | 26 years |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches. |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | N/A |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
Early Life and Background
Family Background
Azam Khan is a promising Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman from a distinguished cricketing lineage. He is the son of Moin Khan, a former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper, who has been instrumental in nurturing his son’s cricketing journey. Azam Khan father, Moin Khan, not only provided mentorship but also established the Moin Khan Academy in 2000, where Azam’s early cricketing memories were formed. His mother’s name is Tasneem Khan, who has been a homemaker.
Azam Khan’s family ties to cricket extend further; his uncle, Nadeem Khan, played two Test matches for Pakistan and has served as a cricket administrator. Beyond the cricket field, Azam Khan’s family is connected to the entertainment industry through his brother, Owais Khan, who is married to renowned Pakistani actress Mariam Ansari. Despite facing early criticism regarding his fitness, Azam Khan cricketer, has worked diligently to establish his own identity in the cricketing world, often expressing deep gratitude for his father’s unwavering support and guidance.
Azam Khan Weight and Height
Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. Azam Khan weight has varied over time; reports from 2021 indicated he weighed around 130 kg before undergoing significant weight loss. However, more recent sources suggest his weight is approximately 78 kg . It’s important to note that athletes weights can fluctuate due to training and fitness regimens, so for the most current information, consulting official team profiles or recent interviews is advisable.
Education
Azam Khan began his education at a private school in Karachi, Pakistan, where he completed both his primary and high school studies.
Early Interest in Cricket
Growing up in a household where cricket was a significant part of life, Azam Khan was naturally inclined towards the sport. He spent his early years playing cricket on the streets and grounds of Karachi, refining his skills under the guidance of his father. This early exposure helped him develop a solid foundation in the basics of cricket, particularly in batting and wicketkeeping.
Youth Career
Azam Khan started playing formal cricket by representing Karachi in U-16 and U-19 cricket tournaments. His performances in these age-group competitions were promising, showcasing his potential as a future star. He was part of the Pakistan U-19 team, though he did not have extensive opportunities to shine on the international youth stage.
Domestic Career
Teams Played For
Azam Khan has played for several teams in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit and various T20 leagues around the world:
- Sindh: First-class and List A cricket
- Quetta Gladiators: Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- Karachi Kings: Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- Islamabad United: Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- Galle Gladiators: Lanka Premier League (LPL)
- Barbados Royals: Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
First-Class Debut
Azam Khan made his first-class debut for Sindh on December 26, 2020, in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His initial performances were a mix of promising innings and learning experiences, which are typical for young cricketers adjusting to the rigors of first-class cricket.
List A Debut
He debuted in List A cricket on October 8, 2018, for Pakistan Television during the Quaid-e-Azam One Day Cup. Azam made an immediate impact by scoring a century on debut, a feat that highlighted his potential as a top-order batsman.
Twenty20 Debut
His T20 debut came on March 5, 2019, for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL. His aggressive batting style quickly made him a favorite in the T20 format, where his ability to score rapidly and clear the boundaries was highly valued.
Notable Performances
One of his most notable domestic performances was his 88 runs off 43 balls for Sindh against Northern in the National T20 Cup. This innings was instrumental in showcasing his talent to a broader audience and cementing his place as a power-hitter in the shorter format of the game.
Awards and Recognitions
Azam Khan’s burgeoning career has already seen him earn several accolades:
- First Pakistani wicketkeeper to score a century on his List A debut.
- Scored the first-ball six in PSL history.
- Recognized for his power-hitting and quick scoring ability in T20 leagues.
International Career
International Debut
T20I Debut:
Azam made his T20I debut on July 16, 2021, against England at Trent Bridge. Despite a challenging series, his selection was a testament to his potential and performances in domestic cricket.
Major Achievements
Azam Khan’s international career is still in its early stages, but his selection for the national team highlights his talent. While he has faced challenges with consistency and injuries, his aggressive batting style makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
Key Performances
In T20Is, Azam Khan has shown his ability to score quickly and stabilize Pakistan’s middle order. One of his notable innings was against England in 2021, where he scored 46 runs off just 30 balls with a strike rate of 153.33. This innings was crucial in setting up a competitive total for Pakistan.
Another memorable performance came against the West Indies in 2021, where Azam Khan smashed 51 runs off 31 balls, at a strike rate of 164.52. His aggressive batting helped Pakistan chase down a challenging target and win the match comfortably.
Records and Milestones
- First Pakistani wicketkeeper to score a century on his List A debut.
- Holds the record for hitting a first-ball six in PSL history.
Playing Style and Skills
Batting Style and Strengths
Azam Khan is known for his aggressive batting style. His powerful shots, including the uppercut and clean drives, make him a formidable player in the T20 format. He excels at hitting boundaries and has a quick scoring rate, which is crucial in limited-overs cricket.
Bowling Style and Specialties
He does not bowl, focusing entirely on his batting and wicketkeeping roles.
Fielding Abilities
As a wicketkeeper, he is agile and has quick reflexes. His training under his father, Moin Khan, has helped him develop into a reliable wicketkeeper with sharp skills behind the stumps.
Signature Moves/Deliveries
His signature batting moves include his powerful pull shots and ability to clear the boundary. His quick hands and aggressive intent make him a threat to any bowling attack, particularly in the T20 format.
Stats and Records
Test Matches
Azam Khan has not played any Test matches for Pakistan yet.
ODI Matches
Azam Khan has not played any ODIs for Pakistan yet.
T20I Matches
- Matches Played: 13
- Runs Scored: 88
- Batting Average: 11.00
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 0/0
- Wickets Taken: N/A
- Bowling Average: N/A
- Best Bowling: N/A
Domestic and Other T20 Leagues
He has played for various teams in the PSL, including Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Islamabad United. He has also participated in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL), further showcasing his T20 prowess.
Captaincy and Leadership
He has not yet had the opportunity to captain any major team, but his growing experience in domestic and franchise cricket positions him as a future leader.
Saim Ayub and Azam Khan
Azam Khan and Saim Ayub are two of Pakistan’s emerging cricket talents who have experienced both camaraderie and challenges in their professional journeys. In December 2024, Azam Khan publicly praised Saim Ayub’s unbeaten 98-run performance against South Africa, emphasizing the importance of providing players with consistent opportunities to showcase their abilities.
However, following Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, both players faced setbacks when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) denied them No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the Caribbean Premier League, citing a policy limiting players to two overseas leagues annually. This decision sparked discussions about player management and the balance between national commitments and international league participation.
Off the Field
Personal Life
He is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is passionate about music and travel.
Hobbies and Interests
Azam Khan, the Pakistani cricketer, has a range of hobbies and interests beyond the cricket field. He is passionate about music; he sings and plays the guitar, having taught himself through YouTube tutorials. He often performs covers of popular songs, including Bollywood tracks and Atif Aslam’s “Aadat,” using music as a way to de-stress before matches. Additionally, Azam is a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA), which he credits for enhancing his ability to handle fast bowling, a skill he previously struggled with. He also enjoys playing the guitar and lists Chris Gayle as his favorite cricketer. His favorite food is Karachi Biryani, and his preferred color is black.
Controversies and Challenges
Major Controversies
Azam Khan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman, has been involved in several controversies that have attracted significant media attention:
- Confrontation with Spectators: During the 2024 T20 World Cup match against the USA, after being dismissed for a golden duck, Azam Khan reacted to abusive comments from spectators by charging towards them and giving a stern glare. This incident was widely circulated on social media and highlighted the intense scrutiny he faced during the tournament.
- Nepotism Allegations: Azam Khan’s selection for the national team has been a subject of debate, with critics accusing the Pakistan Cricket Board of favoritism due to his father, Moin Khan, being a former national team captain. His inconsistent performances, including a series of low scores and fielding errors, have intensified these allegations.
- Dollar Note Incident: In May 2024, a video surfaced showing Azam Khan wiping sweat from his forehead using a US dollar note. The act was perceived as insensitive, especially considering Pakistan’s economic challenges, leading to backlash from fans and criticism from cricket board officials.
- Palestine Sticker Fine: In October 2023, during the National T20 Cup, Azam Khan was fined for displaying a “Free Palestine” sticker on his bat. The Pakistan Cricket Board deemed this a violation of its code of conduct, sparking discussions about the intersection of sports and political expression.
These incidents have contributed to the controversies surrounding Azam Khan’s cricketing career, affecting public perception and discussions about his role in the national team.
Injuries
Azam Khan suffered a head injury during a practice session in Guyana in July 2021, which affected his participation in international matches at the time. This incident highlighted the physical challenges and risks associated with professional cricket.
Comebacks
Despite the hurdles, Azam Khan has made significant comebacks, particularly in domestic and franchise cricket, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Legacy and Impact
Impact on the Game
Azam Khan’s aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills have brought a fresh and dynamic approach to Pakistan’s T20 setup. His performances in domestic leagues have inspired many young cricketers to adopt an aggressive and fearless style of play.
Inspirations and Mentorship
He draws inspiration from his father, Moin Khan, and admires the techniques of Rashid Latif and AB de Villiers. His approach to cricket reflects the influence of these cricketing legends.
Media and Endorsements
Media Appearances
Azam Khan has made several media appearances, particularly related to his performances in the PSL and his selection for the national team.
Endorsements
As of April 2025, Azam Khan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman, has secured endorsement deals that contribute to his estimated net worth of approximately $1 million. While specific brand affiliations are not extensively documented, his earnings from endorsements supplement his primary income from cricket.
Given his rising profile in international and domestic T20 leagues, it’s anticipated that Azam Khan’s endorsement portfolio will expand as he continues to make his mark in the cricketing world.
