Disappointed Kamran keeping his eyes on the ball

DUBAI: Taking a leaf out of Misbah-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal announced on Friday that he is not giving up hope of playing for Pakistan again.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was discarded for good after a three-ball duck in Pakistan’s crushing defeat in a World T20 match against the West India in Dhaka back in 2014, stressed that he is still fancying his chances of returning to national duty.

Just minutes after guiding Peshawar Zalmi to an impressive 17-run win against Lahore Qalandars in an HBL Pakistan Super League encounter on Friday here at the Dubai International Stadium, Akmal expressed his disappointment over the national selectors’ decision to continuously ignore him.

“I think I have not done anything (to deserve it),” he said.

“I have done so much so they (the selectors) are the ones who should answer. A batsman can only score runs and that I have done.

“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.”

Despite Kamran’s good run of form, there is little chance of him making an international comeback because Sarfraz Ahmed has cemented his place in all three formats.

However, Kamran said that he can earn a place in the Pakistan team as a specialist batsman.

“In every team three wicketskeepers are playing even some are playing as batsman. I have performed with the bat and it’s not just that I am making my case only as wicketkeeper-batsman.”

Kamran said that the authorities haven’t told him about the reason behind snubbing him.

He lamented that the only thing he could do now is to speak out against the selectors just like once Younis Khan did.

“The only thing left for me is to speak like Younis bhai had done (in past) so I have to say thing like him (to get attention).”

So how does he manage to keep his eyes on the ball?

“It’s a challenge to remain focused all the way when you are not selected. I have done a lot of hard work and I can’t give up and I keep on pushing myself.

“I have an example of Misbah (ul-Haq because had he given up he couldn’t become number 1 captain. He made his comeback, led the team to number one and won a lot of matches for Pakistan. So until I am fit and performing I will not give up.”