Kamran ready to play in all formats

ISLAMABAD: Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, who powered Peshawar Zalmi into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final with a match-winning 27-ball 77, said he is ready to play in all formats of the game for the country.

Talking to ‘The News’ on Thursday, the day after he set the Gaddafi Stadium ablaze with a scintillating knock that turned the tables on Karachi Kings, Kamran said besides T20 cricket he was also ready to play One-Dayers and Test cricket.

“Those who have any doubts about my performance must turn the pages of domestic cricket during the last three years. I have scored more runs than any other batsman. Be it 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 said.

When asked as what kind of role he was looking for himself in international cricket, he said it was up to the selectors and team management to decide. “The job of a player whether he is young or experienced is to perform to a level where everyone can easily acknowledge his contributions. Over the years I have been doing that for the region and 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,” he said.

When asked about his recent brief stint with the national team last year, he said he was satisfied with his performance. “An experienced 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 fielders can drop catches and even mediocre ones can take exceptional catches. That we have seen in the on-going PSL matches.”

Kamran (424 runs in 12 matches) is the leading run-getter in the PSL. Though his cousin Babar Azam (404) is the second highest scorer in the list, only Islamabad’s Luke Ronchi (383) now has realistic chance of crossing Kamran as both are to play one more match.

Talking on his blistering knock at the 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 Amir termed Kamran innings as decisive one. “When a player plays such a brilliant knock studded with eight sixes, it is never difficult to predict the ultimate winner,” Amir said.