Kamran not giving up hope of international comeback

Wicket-keeper eyes return, says change in position affected batting performance.

LAHORE:

Discarded wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal is eager to resurrect his career and is eyeing a quick return to the national side.

Kamran, who is the eldest of the Akmal brothers to represent Pakistan, last played for Pakistan back in June against India in the Champions Trophy.

The national selection committee opted for Umar Akmal for the wicket-keeper-batsman role for the tour of West Indies, while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Adnan Akmal had been given the responsibility during the series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.



However, the Twenty20 squad that will take on South Africa has yet to be announced and the Lahore-based player is a eyeing a spot in it.

“I’m working really hard, both on my batting and wicket-keeping, because I want to make a quick comeback,” Kamran told The Express Tribune while practicing at the National Cricket Academy.

“There have been ups and downs in my career but I’ve always believed in myself. I am confident I will come back as a stronger player than before. The Twenty20 squad for South Africa has yet to be announced and I haven’t lost hope of becoming a part of it.”

Kamran, who is currently represent NBP in the domestic season, believes he still has five to six years of top level cricket left in him.

“I’ve performed well whenever I’ve been given a chance by the selectors. I also worked very hard on my glove work after receiving criticism. I’ve given performances with the bat against top teams, but of late my batting order has been changed a lot which has affected my showing,” he added.

“I’ve done well at the top of the order even in Australia and England and yet my batting number has been changed. As a player, you can’t really perform when you aren’t sure about your position.”

Taufeeq Umar suffers inury setback

Taufeeq Umar suffered a setback in his bid to regain his place in the national side as he injured himself during the President’s One-Day cup match against PQA while representing SNGPL.

He pulled his hamstring while chasing the ball at the Pindi Cricket Stadium and had to leave the field in order to get medical attention. Although he came back later on to the field, he showed signs of distress and could not run during his innings.

When the SNGPL team management was contacted about his fitness, one of the officials said: “It appears that Taufeeq could be out for up to two or three weeks because of what looks like a bad hamstring injury.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2013.

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