Rawalpindi - Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt has questioned the PCB for not providing opportunities to top performers of domestic cricket in Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other major events.

Talking to The Nation, Butt said: “I was second top scorer in domestic cricket last year, but no franchise bothered to pick me in the PSL draft and same happened this year too. I was in gold category and once again, I was badly ignored. I don’t know why such treatment is being given to me. Last year, I was at the peak this year, although I am not performing like I did last year, even then my performances are better than others.

“I can’t say or comment when the PCB would consider me again for the national duty and I can’t ask or seek explanation from them. My job is to perform, which I have been doing sincerely and dedication. But one thing is quite clear that the PCB has to keep close check and ensure the domestic cricket top performers must be included in the PSL, so that they may focus on improving their games. If they are ignored in the same way and their efforts failed to attract the selectors, it is quite sure the talent will get wasted.

“I am hopeful that the PCB and chief selector will provide me with the opportunity. I can assure that I will not disappoint my fans and selectors. I know I have lot of cricket left in me and I am ready to serve Pakistan cricket in the best possible fashion,” Butt concluded.

Sharing his views, Test discarded Kamran Akmal, who is in great form, said that he is shocked that Pakistan U-19 team lost against associate members Afghanistan and that too in such manner, which is hard to digest. “The U-19 players are not able to beat the likes of Afghanistan. It was highly upsetting that twice the national U-19 team failed to even score 100 runs, which clearly indicates the basic flaws in U-19 system,” he said.

“It also shows that U-19 cricket is not being taken seriously. Playing 4 or 5 matches in a year is not enough, and instead they need to play at least 8 to 10 international matches. Unless proper attention is paid to U-19 cricket, we will never get genuine fresh talent,” he added.

Kamran said he feels that school, college and club level T20 tournaments should be completely banned and only the PCB should conduct the National T20 events like the one presently going on in Rawalpindi. “Proper cricket must be promoted and only red ball is the way of producing fresh talent.” The wicketkeeper batsman also emphasized upon giving fair chances of top performers of domestic cricket in the PSL. “My performances are in front of everybody and I can only say that my job is to perform with gloves and willow and it is the job of the selectors to decide about me.”

He said the time is high when the PCB should focus on domestic cricket as the domestic cricketers are not being given the opportunities, which they really deserve. “I am working on my fitness and proving that I am ready to serve Pakistan cricket. I am ready to serve my country and I will deliver, if given chance. The next few series are very tough and will be stern test of Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy and leadership qualities. He has to take best out of each and every player, as Test cricket and that too against top test playing nations and in their backyard is never easy. I hope Sarfraz and coach Mickey Arthur will deliver for the country,” Kamran concluded.