PSL 2023: Azam Khan - the burly swashbuckling wicketkeeper sets tournament on fire; Check his last 5 innings

Azam Khan performance in PSL 2022: 44 Vs Karachi Kings; 16 vs Multan Sultans; 9* vs Peshawar Zalmi; 97 vs Quetta Gladiators; 72* vs Karachi Kings (Till March 3, 2022)

Azam Khan was part of the Quetta Gladiators squad during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017-18, however, he did not feature in any of their matches. In the next season, he made his PSL debut for the same team at the age of 20.

The selection gave birth to nepotism chatter as Azam's father Moin Khan - the former Pakistan cricketer - also happens to be the coach of the Gladiators.

Azam Khan PSL debut

Once he failed on his debut opportunity and managed just 12 off 15 balls, the focus shifted to his ability and potential in a league featuring several foreign stars. Many opined that his large body structure wasn't at all ideal for playing cricket at the highest level.

Azam took the criticisms on his chin and scribbled the demeaning names people used to address him due to his overweight body.

"My dad was like, 'Are you mad, why are you doing this to yourself?' Azam had told Cricket Monthly. "I said, 'This is giving me motivation.'"

The right-hand batter scored 59 runs off 33 balls in the opening match of the PSL 2020. However, 150 runs in nine matches at an average of 18.75 is all that he could manage. There was a deeper realisation within Azam that only his natural cricketing talent won't help and physical modification was the only way to raise the benchmark.

He spent a little of his time next year at Pakistan's National Cricket Academy and a lot more at the gym. The result was there to be seen - Azam lost 30 kgs in 12 months and finished as the tenth-highest run-scorer in the PSL 2022.

Playing for Islamabad United, he scored 296 runs in 11 matches at an average of 296 and a strike rate of 141.62. The 24-year-old has now set the PSL 2023 on fire.

Azam Khan sets PSL 2023 on fire

In the ongoing season, the wicketkeeper-batter is eighth on the list of highest run-scorers. The likes of Pakistan internationals Haider Ali, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed are ranking below him in the list.

In the first four matches for United, he has scored 166 runs in four matches at an average of 55.33 and a strike rate of 184.44. The strike rate is the highest among all the players who have scored over 100 runs in the ongoing competition so far.

In his last match against former team Quetta Gladiators, Azam walked down to bat at number five and smashed 97 runs off 42 balls. The innings included nine fours and eight sixes as United piled up 220 runs on the board and won the match by 63 runs. The young batter was adjudged Man of the Match for his swashbuckling show at the National Stadium in Karachi.

One particular six off pacer Mohammad Hasnain caught the attention of many because of its stark similarity with a shot that his father Moin played against Australia at the World Cup 1999. Hasnain bowled a fullish delivery clocking 140 kmph outside the off-stump as an unfazed Azam got on his right knee and sent the ball sailing over the deep square leg.

pic.twitter.com/T5KB5acb2y

— Cornered Tigers Videos (@CTforum_vids) February 24, 2023

On completing his fifty in the match, Azam thumped his chest and pointed towards Moin as a mark of tribute towards his father. Moin acknowledged the gesture from the Gladiators' dugout.

Azam Khan is Dedicating this to his Dad🔥♥️.

Wow the BEAUTY of Cricket.#HBLPSL8 #PSL08 #PSL8 #PSL2023 pic.twitter.com/aTVkWTxI3c

— #PSL2023 #PSL2023 #HBLPSL8 #PSL8 #HBLPSL8 #PSL2023 (@ICC_CricInfo) February 24, 2023

After his exploits in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2022 (7th highest run-scorer - 257 runs in 12 matches), Abu Dhabi T10 2022-23 (5th highest - 202 runs in nine matches) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2022-23 (226 in nine matches at an average of 45.20) - the Azam Khan show has arrived in the PSL 2023.

With six more league matches to go, the in-form batter would be eyeing to swing things further in his favour. He made his international debut in July 2021 and played three T20Is in the month. He was later dropped as he could manage just six runs in two outings. However, with the nepotism tag wearing off slowly and his bat doing the talking - a comeback in Pakistan green also might not be that far.