‘Even guys on bench are world-class players’ – Azam Khan on ILT20’s intensity

‘Even guys on bench are world-class players’ – Azam Khan on ILT20’s intensity. (Photo Source – ILT20)

Azam Khan, the renowned hard-hitting Desert Vipers’ batter, is upbeat for the ILT20 2025. The right-handed Pakistan international (14 T20Is) played a pivotal role in the Vipers’ previous campaign, which saw them narrowly miss out on a playoff berth. With the start of the new season approaching, Azam is ready to once again bring his aggressive style of play to the field.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the ILT20 2025, Azam Khan said,here will be new challenges, but we’ll focus on executing on the ground and winning for the team.”

ILT20 2024 saw the power-hitter register the fastest half-century in the competition’s history. Azam reached the milestone in just 18 balls, studded with five fours and four sixes, to power the Vipers to a victory against the Gulf Giants.

Looking back on the achievement, and shedding light on his approach to the game, Azam expressed, “I’ve always said that cricket is a game that won’t just give you success, but it’ll also bring failures in your career. For me, it’s about going out there and dominating the other side. That’s what I always try to do whenever I go out there.”

Azam’s reputation as one of the most aggressive batters in the game today has made him a fan favourite with his batting stints echoed by ‘Azam, Azam’ crowd chants in 2024. Expressing gratitude for the love and adulation he receives, the 25-year-old said, “It’s a great adrenaline rush for me whenever I go out to bat and hear the crowd roaring. It’s an amazing feeling for any player, any batter. I’ll try to make sure I bring the same excitement for the fans this year as well.”

Azam went on to underscore the competitiveness of the ILT20, “I think it’s a tough competition. I’ve been talking to many players about the competition, and with nine international players in one team, I think it makes it very tough for the players to perform. Even the guys sitting on the bench are world-class players, so it gets difficult for the guys,” he remarked.

Azam opined that the unique structure serves as a catalyst for the development of UAE cricketers and the grassroots programme. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the UAE youngsters, especially as they can share the dressing room with the legends and greats of the game. It’s very good for their future, and they can learn from them, try to execute the feedback they get, and use it in their daily life to work on it,” he said.

Azam further added, “I know some of them personally, and it feels very nice when all these young guys come to you and ask for opinions. It feels nice that they want suggestions from me, and I’m always there for them.”

Also Read: ILT20 2025: Defending champions MI Emirates to play Dubai Capitals in season opener

Mentioning a few exceptional talents from the UAE, he noted, “I think Tanish Suri is a fine wicketkeeper and batter. Ali Nasser was outstanding last year, and Dhruv Parashar is one of the guys who played with us last year (reselected by Desert Vipers for Season 3 in last week’s UAE Player Selection Process). These are a few of the guys who are very talented.”

With the Desert Vipers set to begin their campaign on Sunday, 12 January, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in an away game in Abu Dhabi, Azam addressed the fans and urged their support. “Just come out and support us and we’ll try to win the tournament this year. I can’t promise that, but I’ll make sure that whenever I go in the ground, I’ll give my 100%,” Azam signed off.

The six ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars like Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2) and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).

England white-ball great Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz) returns to the league after making two appearances for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders last season. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder will appear for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the all-rounder played for the Dubai Capitals last season.

Additionally, Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) are set to make their ILT20 debuts in Season 3.

The third season of the ILT20 will run from January 11 to February 9, 2025.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.