Players Should Not be Picked on PSL Performances Solely - Kamran Akmal

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman, Kamran Akmal feels the selectors should not pick players on the basis of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) performances only.

Meanwhile, Kamran Akmal remains to be a key figure in Pakistan’s domestic setup.

Moreover, the right-handed batsman has had some consistency in the domestic cricket as well as in the PSL. Despite having an excellent cricketing season, Akmal did not get considered for the national side.

“From the time I started playing domestic cricket, pitches have always been the same. Our players have become world-class playing on these difficult pitches. Having said that, I believe Kookaburra balls should be used in our domestic cricket. This way our players, both bowlers, and batsmen, will also get used to playing with them. Bowling will get a little tougher, which is not the case with the balls being used. It’s easier to dismiss the batsmen this way since the pitches are more seaming.” Akmal said.

In addition to, Kamran Akmal also emphasised the importance of domestic cricket in players getting selected. Furthermore, he wants to improve the standards of domestic cricket which will help to bring more talented cricketers.

“Domestic cricket should be given its due importance. The grounds should be improved unlike the one in Islamabad, where we played during this domestic season. If these conditions persist, domestic cricket and its standard will go down drastically.” The 36-year-old added.

Meanwhile, the wicket-keeper batsman also backed Mohammad Abbas. Akmal says Abbas has set himself as the prime example who worked hard in the domestic cricket and later introduced himself in the national side.

“We have Abbas’ example in front of us. He has been playing domestic cricket for the past 6-7 years now. He took 17 wickets in 2 Test matches in the UAE recently. It is hard to comprehend since a lot of great bowler have failed to picked up wickets on those pitches. It is a huge achievement for him and for our domestic cricket.” Kamran Akmal further added.

Kamran Akmal has played 268 international matches for Pakistan, scoring 6871 runs in total.

However, the wicket-keeper had played his last game with the national team against the indies in April 2017. Kamran was also influential for Peshawar Zalmi during the third edition of the Pakistan Super League. He slammed 425 runs in 13 innings, with the highest score of unbeaten 107 against Lahore Qalandars.