Kamran Akmal on the verge of an International call-up

In the last one week or so, Kamran Akmal has been topping the cricketing headlines coming from Pakistan with his breathtaking performances. The veteran keeper-batsman has been in terrific nick in the National T20 Tournament and he is definitely in contention to get considered for a national side call-up. Akmal was recalled into the national side earlier this year, but poor performances from him cost him a place in the Champions Trophy squad.

After his sensational knock of 150 in just 72 balls the other day, Kamran Akmal entered the record books as the first Pakistani in T20 history to smash a 150. He also registered a world-record opening partnership of 209 runs, beating the previous best tally of 207. Yet, the 35-year-old says he is concentrating solely on his game and the rest is up to the selectors to consider him or not.

“I have been doing what a player needs to do — score runs — and that too in all formats of the game. I have been performing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and now am doing so in T20 cricket as well,” Kamran told The Express Tribune. “I am just concentrating on my game, which I’m supposed to do. The rest is up to the selectors and the board.”

Fitness is a key to how a player performs

The 35-year-old discarded cricketer feels his main agenda should be to remain calm and fit. He believes every player who does well in the domestic level expects a call-up and he believes he will keep trying his best till he enters the National side once again. He has hoped for all his hard work to pay off and the selectors to consider him for the future tours.

The Pakistani opening contingent is looking well settled right now, but they’ve been struggling a bit in the T20s. This can be a blessing in disguise for Akmal, who can make a case to be the opener in the shortest format for the National side.

“Every player who performs in domestic competition hopes to make it into the national team,” he said. “My job is to stay fit and perform to the best of my ability. If I am making records and performing consistently then that is all I can do from my end. Hopefully, the selectors will take notice. They are watching a lot of players and I hope my hard work can pay a dividend.”

For me, fitness is key to how a player performs. I was playing with an injured foot but still managed to score big. If I am going out there as an opener and playing until the end of the innings then I must surely be fit,” He concluded.