Out of favour Kamran Akmal has vowed not to let the criticism affect his morale as the Pakistan wicket-keeper eyes a comeback to the team. Kamran, who has been dropped multiple times since the Sydney Test in January last year, was left out of the West Indies tour after a poor performance in the World Cup.
His wicket-keeping skills came under fire once again amid criticism suggesting that the 29-year-old has slim chances of earning a recall. And not for the first time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) replaced him with another glovesman, this time Mohammad Salman who will make his debut in the Caribbean.
In the past year, Pakistan have played three wicket-keepers – Sarfraz Ahmed, Zulqarnain Haider and Kamran’s brother Adnan – but none have been able to cement a place in the team.
Meanwhile, Kamran, who has resumed training following the recovery of his mother from a heart surgery, said that he will work twice as hard to don the national colours again.
“I have no intentions to give up,” the 29-year old told The Express Tribune. “I’ve a lot of cricket left in me and I want to serve the country for a long time.”
Kamran working hard to improve
The wicket-keeper said he was giving 200 per cent in training to overcome his weaknesses.
“I was dropped on the basis of my performance, which is fine, but I’ll return by performing well in the domestic tournaments.
“I take setbacks and criticism positively which gives me strength. I have already started working harder in training.”
Kamran added that due to the lack of domestic tournaments, he will continue playing club cricket and might also feature in the Sri Lanka Twenty20 League later this summer.
‘It was just a bad day against New Zealand’
The wicket-keeper, whose World Cup campaign was highlighted in the loss against New Zealand where he dropped Ross Taylor and missed half-chances, called it a bad day. He was, however, critical of the way that match was singled out and led to his ouster.
“The day seemed to be cursed. People just criticise and forget my past performances. I also love my team and I’m the one who suffers the most because of the missed chances.
“They mention my performance against New Zealand but nobody praises my fine show against Australia,” added Kamran.
“Overall my performance as a wicket-keeper has been fine and I’ve one of the highest dismissals among all the wicket-keepers who have played for Pakistan.
“I am the only Pakistan wicket-keeper who has over 400 dismissals across all the formats of the game,” said Kamran who has 412 victims in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s.
Ponders role of a specialist batsman
Kamran, who has six Test centuries and five ODI tons, said he is also considering the role of a specialist batsman if Pakistan find a better wicket-keeper.
“I am working on my batting more than ever before. I’m ready to serve my country in anyway and can fill the opener’s slot with success.”
Performance
Tests 53
Runs 2648
Average 30.79
Dismissals 206
ODIs 137
Runs 2924
Average 27.58
Dismissals 161
Twenty20s 38
Runs 704
Average 23.46
Dismissals 45
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2011.
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