Islamabad United’s Azam Khan has revealed that he took inspiration from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) after being afraid of fast-bowling during the early stages of his career.
Azam shared these thoughts while speaking ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.
“I was struggling against fast bowling on the tricky Abu Dhabi wickets during the PSL 6 and I realised I needed to work on my ability to play against pace bowling. I started more intense practice, which made it easier to tackle pace in match situations,” Azam told PCB Digital.
“It was popularly perceived that I struggle against pace bowling at 140+ kph but for the past two years, I have vastly improved this aspect of the game and I feel satisfied to have overcome it.
“Initially, I felt I feared facing fast bowling. I started watching Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which fascinated me and I thought to myself that the cricket ball is just a small thing and we are scared of it. How much hurt it can cause me compared to what the MMA fighters go through?”
MMA is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world.
The opening ceremony of PSL 8 will be held in Multan on February 13 prior to the tournament opener between 2021 winners Multan Sultans and defending champions Lahore Qalandars; meanwhile the closing ceremony and final will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.
Rawalpindi will stage 11 fixtures, Karachi and Lahore will host nine matches each, whereas Multan will have five home games.
- Azam Khan