Akmal hits out at Pakistan selectors after latest fifty

Barnaby Read 21:00 24/02/2017
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  • Akmal was the star with the bat for Peshawar.

    After a second fifty of this year’s Pakistan Super League, Kamran Akmal called on national selectors to explain their reasoning for overlooking him for the international side.

    Akmal has not played for Pakistan in any format since his last T20I against West Indies in April 2014, but the wicket-keeper batsman is still determined to play for his country once again.

    The 35-year-old does not see his exile ending any time soon but believes his form on the domestic scene and that in this year’s PSL should be enough to see him recalled.

    His 58 that led Peshawar to a 17-run win over Lahore Qalandars in Dubai on Friday was another reminder of his talents.

    It led to Akmal taking the opportunity in the post-match press conference to speak out about what he sees as unfair treatment from his national board and selectors.

    “The best answer can come from selectors, I think I have not done anything,” said Akmal. “Thanks Almighty I have done so much so they are the ones who should answer. A batsman can only score runs and that I have done.

    “They also should tell the reason for not considering me. It’s not just me but for all those who are playing and performing in domestic. The only reason for not considering any player should be the fitness and performance but I am doing everything to make a point for my selection.

    Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi

    • Peshawar Zalmi 166-6
    • Akmal (58); Yasir (2-19)
    • Lahore Qalandars 149-9
    • Sohail (36*); Shakib (2-14)

    “So I am trying to make a comeback, that’s why I am playing cricket. It’s my passion to play for Pakistan and whatever if I have four or five years left in me I want to play it on top for me and for my country.”

    Akmal compared his own situation and decision to speak out to that of Younis Khan, who often reiterated his belief that senior players have been unfairly treated down the years.

    It wasn’t quite as dramatic as Younis’ suggestion that he “should shoot himself” back in 2014, but the message was clear from Akmal who also said that the longevity of Misbah-ul-Haq give him heart over his own future.

    “Only thing left is to speak and like Younis bhai had done so I have to say thing like him [to get attention],” said Akmal. “I mean I have done everything to make a point for my comeback but lets see how things go as a team [for West Indies] hasn’t been announced yet.

    “It’s disappointing as I am struggling from last three years. I have been doing all the hard work, scoring runs, there is no issue with my fitness. This exactly I have to do and I am doing well with it to stay relevant. Selectors and team management are in better situation to tell.”

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