KARACHI: Let down by the trolls and hate-filled comments on social media, Islamabad United’s wicket-keeper batter, Azam Khan, expressed his resolve to remain undeterred in the face of ‘negative energy’.

Taking to Twitter, Azam, known for his prowess to hit big shots, shared a heartfelt message along with a screen grab of his Instagram story, which he posted a few days ago.

“Always waking up to new challenges every day, particularly with so much negative energy on social media. ” he wrote. “But the goal remains the same, playing the game I love at the highest level and working every day to become the best cricketer I can ever be,Inshallah ameen.”

On his Instagram story, Azam decried the name-calling culture by posting an image containing the demeaning labels hurled at him for his physical appearance and alleged nepotism.

The 24-year-old gained prominence during the 2018 Pakistan Super League when he was picked by Quetta Gladiators, where his father and former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Moin Khan was a head coach. Fans were outraged at his selection in the team, believing that Azam’s selection was a blatant nepotism and his bulky physique made him the target of derogatory social media trolls.

Azam, however, earned a name for himself in Twenty20 cricket since then and emerged as one of the most sought-after players in franchise leagues all around the world. He also made his international debut for Pakistan in 2021 against England in Nottingham.

READ: Gill’s double ton helps India survive Bracewell blitz