ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's arguably one of the most successful wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal looked dejected over his omission from not only national team but also from Pakistan A team for the upcoming series against visiting England Lions at UAE.
Talking to The Nation, Kamran said: “I have scored loads of runs and I am finishing amongst top two 2 in the last number of domestic seasons. M Rizwan is playing as specialist batsman in the team not as a wicketkeeper and now after Younus Khan and experienced Misbah have retired from ODIs, I am very strong candidate to be considered at least as a specialist batsmen, especially under present circumstances when Pakistan opening is not clicking and the team is in dire need of a player, who may restore calm in the middle of the innings.
“I am ready to bat at any given number. I have scored three back-to-back centuries in the domestic season and enjoying rich form, I am also no mug with the gloves, as my record speaks itself, but I don't know why I am getting such treatment from the PCB and selectors,” he added.
When asked why he was not even considered for the Pakistan A team, where he should have been leading the side, while keeping in mind his vast and unmatched experience of leading top departments in domestic circuit, Kamran said: “The PCB and selectors are in better position to answer that question. Frankly, it is my duty to perform with the willow and gloves, which I am doing on doing on consistent basis for the last number of seasons, now its upto PCB and selectors either to consider in the national or Pakistan A team or not but I am positive and hoping for the best.”
Kamran said: “I am surprised that even Adnan Akmal was also not considered for Pakistan A team, he had just scored a ton in the recent Quaid Trophy match. Adnan was out of the national team not because of his performance, but due to injury, so he should have given chance. T20 world Cup is round the corner, everywhere in the world players knocking at the international cricket doors given opportunities and tours to help them gain exposure, but here the criteria is different and best known to the PCB and selectors.
“We are working hard and hopeful the PCB will finally give us a chance. Riffatullah just managed to get a chance in the T20 format despite being almost 40. No doubt, he had worked hard and showed his physical fitness, but I am sure I will also get recall sooner rather than later,” he added.
When asked about Umar Akmal's omission from all three formats and he considers it is injustice, Kamran replied: “We consider ourselves highly humble and feel proud to have represented the national team. Umar is playing cricket and showing his fitness, it is captain’s decision where to send a player. We are ready to play at any given number. The team management and captain should inform the player where they want him to bat and stick to that plan and give him confidence. I am sure if given chances at certain number, a capable player can cement his place.”
When asked it would not be better to ask a player, where he feels comfortable and take his suggestions as well, Kamran said: “I was given a lot of boost and confidence by former skipper Inzamam Ul Haq, as he wanted me to open, and just because of his trust and full-fledge backing, I was able to pay well and scored lot of runs, while playing as opener or at one down.” “I am going to play in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and I am sure with my performances in the shorter version of the game, I will be able to catch the eyes of the selectors, as matches will be telecasted live in Pakistan as well. I would always love to serve Pakistan cricket like past. It is our job to perform and leave rest on selectors to decide. I am very hopeful that I would be able to shut my critics mouths with my performances and would bounce back a grab a spot in the national team,” Kamran concluded.