‘Umar Akmal can return in any of the three formats’

Pakistan team selector Tauseef Ahmed says they haven’t ruled out anyone

Pakistan team selector Tauseef Ahmed on Tuesday said that lower-middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has proved through his performance that he can be selected for any of the three formats.

Tauseef, talking exclusively to The Express Tribune, said that the selectors have taken notice of the sterling performances of Umar, who scored a scintillating century off 43 balls for Lahore Whites against Rawalpindi Rams in the National T20 Cup before following it up with another superb 75-run knock against Karachi Blues.

“We haven’t ruled out anyone and are closely monitoring the performances of players who are knocking on the doors of selection,” said Tauseef. “Umar has played very well and he can surely make a return to the national team for any of the three formats.”

Tauseef also disclosed that the selectors are converging in Multan to closely monitor the performances of the players in the final few days of the domestic tournament before finalising the squad for the two T20I matches against the West Indies set to be played on September 23 and 24 in Dubai.

Umar was out of contention for a place in the national ODI and T20I sides due to discipline issues but his recent performance in the National T20 Cup, where he scored 115 runs off just 48 balls, has made a strong case for his return.

On Monday, Umar scored the joint fastest century for his side Lahore Whites off 43 balls as he walked in with 52 runs on the board and 11 overs gone.

His heroics led the side to a total of 175 runs and the opposition, Rawalpindi, were only able to manage 156 runs in their reply.