Azam Khan admitted that he took inspiration from MMA

• He has substantially improved his ability to play against pace bowling
• The PSL 8 opening ceremony will take place in Multan
•  Eleven games will be played in PSL 2023.

Azam Khan of Islamabad United has admitted that he was intimidated by fast-bowling in the beginning of his career and turned to mixed martial arts (MMA) for inspiration.

Azam expressed these ideas prior to the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“I was suffering against fast bowling on the tough Abu Dhabi wickets during the PSL 6 and I understood I needed to concentrate on my abilities to play against pace bowling. “I started doing more strenuous practise, which helped me deal with pace in match situations,” Azam told PCB Digital.

“It was commonly considered that I struggle against fast bowling at 140+ kph but for the past two years, I have substantially improved this area of the game and I am satisfied to have overcome it.

“At first, I was afraid of facing quick bowling. I began watching Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which interested me, and I thought to myself that the cricket ball is a small object that we are afraid of. How much pain can it cause me in comparison to what MMA fighters go through?”

MMA is a full-contact combat sport that incorporates methods from many combat sports from across the world. It is based on striking, grappling, and ground fighting.

The PSL 8 opening ceremony will take place in Multan on February 13th, prior to the league start between the 2021 winners Multan Sultans and the defending champions.

By winning three championships, Islamabad United will attempt to surpass Lahore Qalandars as the most successful team. Lahore Qalandars will try to make history by being the first team to win consecutive championships.

Eleven games will be played in Rawalpindi, nine games each in Karachi and Lahore, and five games in Multan.

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