Former Pakistan captain and batting legend Younis Khan issued a stern message to young wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan and urged him to work on his fitness if he seriously wants to continue his career in international cricket.

In a candid assessment, Younis addressed Azam's fitness concerns and said: "We all enjoy burgers – I do too – but as professional athletes, we have to show control. Diet and discipline are key at this level.

"If Azam Khan wants a long and successful career, fitness must be a top priority for him. There are no shortcuts," Younis Khan was quoted as saying in his hard-hitting statement by Pakistan journalist Saj Sadiq.

Azam Khan, the son of former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan, is well known for his powerful and aggressive batting style. However, he has often faced scrutiny over his fitness, particularly during international and franchise competitions. At times, he has shown glimpses of his potential with his explosive batting style and powerful hitting. However, concerns about his fitness levels have been raised, with critics and former Pakistan cricket team captains arguing that his weight could hinder his performance on the field.

His selection into the Pakistan World Cup squad has also created a lot of debate. Back then, former Pakistan opener Salman Butt had openly questioned his commitment and said: "Azam received a lot of chances, and I believe in his talent, but whenever he makes a mistake, people will point towards his fitness. If he cannot address it, that means he is not passionate enough to play for Pakistan," said Salman Butt.

"He has to lose weight, and that has to be done on a personal level. He has to improve his diet. But if he does not want to lose 10 kg for his country, then how will it work out? There is a lot of difference between international cricket and league cricket," he had told SportsTrends.

"Maybe he finds it too hard to go on a strict diet, or maybe he does not touch the threshold of his training program. He has to step out of his comfort zone. If it is a genetic problem, then doctors need to figure it out. For an athlete, he needs to look like an athlete," he further added.

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