Pakistan’s top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has appreciated young wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan for his courage and hard work during the recently concluded physical fitness camp in Kakul.
Twenty-nine cricketers attended the pre-season camp at the historic and iconic Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul from March 26 to April 6, with the training and drills designed by Pakistan Army experts and strategists.
During the camp, there was a focus on team building aimed to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they were in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.
Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players underwent a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.
Azam Khan’s consistent hard work during the fitness camp brought him to the forefront, despite being criticized for his fitness issues in the past.
Fakhar Zaman praised the explosive wicketkeeper highly in an interview on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official YouTube channel.
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“What impressed me the most is what Azam Khan has done. We were not expecting him to undergo such tough training, and naturally, his physique is such that we didn’t anticipate him to take up such challenges,” Zaman said.
“Despite that, the way he has pushed himself, even climbing mountains when we were hiking, I mean, we couldn’t believe he would make it to the top. If we all show such courage, it could be very beneficial.”
Zaman also reflected on the experience of undergoing a rigorous fitness regime at Kakul during the holy month of Ramadan while fasting.
“It was quite tough when I was here back in 2018, but this time, it wasn’t so tough, due to the holy month of Ramadan,” Zaman said.
“The training they conduct here is tough, but since it was Ramadan, they took great care and lightened the workload a bit.
“When your fitness is good, you also get good results, and our aim here was to build team bonding, which worked well. The training sessions, both on and off, have been excellent, and of course, there will be benefits from that,” he added.
Notably, both Fakhar Zaman and Azam Khan are part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, starting from 18 April.