By Anas Ahmed 
After earning the Player of the Match award, Azam Khan shared an honest and inspiring reflection on his journey back to competitive cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter revealed that he had not played any professional cricket since last year’s PSL, choosing instead to step away and focus entirely on improving his fitness and overall game.
During this period, Azam made a significant life change by moving from Karachi to Lahore. The shift allowed him to adopt a more disciplined routine, both in terms of training and diet. He acknowledged that his performance last year was affected by slow running between the wickets and limited lateral movement behind the stumps.
Determined to improve, Azam worked closely with a dietician and medical professionals to address his fitness challenges. He emphasized that while the physical transformation may not be dramatically visible, the improvements in his movement and stamina are clear on the field.
He also revealed that he has reduced his bat size by two levels, yet his power-hitting ability remains intact. According to Azam, the biggest gains have come in endurance and agility, allowing him to stay effective for longer periods and perform better as a wicketkeeper.
Despite maintaining discipline, he admitted to occasionally allowing himself cheat days, balancing strict fitness goals with sustainability. This approach appears to have worked, as he now feels quicker, more agile, and better prepared for competitive cricket.
Azam expressed satisfaction with his progress so far and remains focused on continuous improvement. His journey highlights the importance of discipline, adaptability, and long-term commitment in professional sports.
Zainab Shafiq 
Himadullah Sohoo