Kamran Akmal keen to play in all formats

ISLAMABAD: International-discard Kamran Akmal, who powered Peshawar Zalmi into final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a match-winning 27-ball 77, declared he was keen to play all formats for the country saying his recent domestic record backs his claim in a big way.

Talking to The News Thursday, the day after he set the Gaddafi Stadium ablaze with a scintillating knock that turned the table on Karachi Kings, Kamran said besides T20 cricket he was also ready to play one-dayers and Test cricket. “Those who have any doubts on my performance in all formats must turn the pages of domestic cricket during the last three years. I have scored more runs than any other batsmen in all formats of the games. Be it a T20, one-day or four-day cricket my performance is enough to make my critics believe that I am ready for all formats. Performing in all formats of the game does not come as a fluke. In fact it is the result of hard work and complete focus on the game. I am happy that my hard work has paid off,” Kamran who has been on the role in domestic cricket in recent past said.

When asked as what kind of role he was looking for himself in international cricket, he said it was up to selectors and team management to decide. “The job of a player whether he is young or experience one is to perform to a level where everyone can easily acknowledge his contributions. Over the years I have been doing that for region and for department. It is not in the PSL alone that I have been a leading performer. One-day and four-day cricket played under the PCB umbrella would also vouch for contributions.”

When asked about his recent brief stint with the national team last year he said he was satisfied with his performance. “An experience player who has been performing exceptionally well in domestic cricket needs a longer run. I am ready to take up any role in the team. Even as a fielder I can contribute. Those criticising my one drop catch as a fielder on my return to international cricket against West Indies last year must keep in mind that even the best of fielders can drop catches and even mediocre ones can take exceptional catches. That we have seen in the on-going PSL matches.”

With 424 runs in twelve matches Kamran Akmal is the leading run getter in the tournament. Though his cousin Baber Azam at 404 is the second highest run getter on the list, only Islamabad’s Luke Ronchi (383 runs) now has realistic chances of crossing Kamran as both are to play one more match.

Talking on his blistering knock the other day at Gaddafi Stadium, Kamran said he never had played for himself. “I always look towards the team requirements. Zalmi required a brisk start in a rain shortened match. I am glad that along with AD Fletcher, I set the platform for a big total. At the end the opening wicket partnership turned out to be the decisive one for our team.”

Even Karachi Kings captain Mohammad Aamir termed Kamran innings as decisive one in earning Zalmi a place in the final. “When a player plays such a brilliant knock studded with eight sixes, it is never difficult to predict ultimate winner.”