Stumped Kamran vows to make comeback

Kamran said he was working hard on his technique and seeking advice from former Pakistan captains and keepers.

LAHORE:

Pakistan’s discarded wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal made his disappointment obvious after being left out of the list of centrally-contracted players for the second part of the year.

While admitting his poor performance was a factor behind his omission, Akmal said that he would make a comeback to impress the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“I’m extremely disappointed,” Kamran told The Express Tribune. “I admit that it was my mistake but I think I deserve another chance. Somehow it’s the board’s decision and I don’t want to say much. I’ve earned the contract for eight years and losing this one is not a big deal.

Kamran, 29, fell out of favour following Pakistan’s World Cup campaign and was replaced by Mohammad Salman for the West Indies tour. Salman was subsequently dropped after he failed to impress and Kamran’s brother Adnan Akmal made a comeback to the squad for the tour of Zimbabwe.

While Kamran has played 53 Tests, 137 One-Day Internationals and 38 Twenty20s, the future now looks bleak for the once first-choice wicket-keeper.

“The selectors weren’t satisfied with my performance but I just need to keep on playing domestic cricket and prove my form to them. I’m 29 and fit so I feel that there’s at least six years of cricket left in me.”

Kamran’s skills have been questioned time and again and his missed chances have cost Pakistan dearly.

The mistakes kept being repeated and the former vice-captain was eventually left out.

“Everyone makes mistakes but the important thing is learning from them. I vow not to make them again. No wicket-keeper loves to drop catches and all I needed then was a bit of rest.”



Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2011. ________________________________________

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