'Dejected' Kamran Akmal withdraws from playing PSL 7 for Peshawar Zalmi

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has announced that he won't play for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season seven after being picked by the franchise in the silver category.

While talking on his YouTube channel. the 39-year-old said that he doesn't deserve to play in this category. “Please release me because I don’t deserve to play in this category,” said Akmal.

“The lower categories are better suited for youngsters. I don’t want their [Peshawar Zalmi] sympathy just because I have played for them in the past six seasons.”

The second-highest run-getter of PSL's history was initially placed in the gold category. He was demoted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from platinum before the draft

“As far as the category is concerned, I was not happy when it was initially announced. I was very surprised to see my category demotion from Platinum to Gold despite my good track record,” he added.

“I have loved playing for Peshawar Zalmi. They have great management and bunch of players,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Akmal also tweeted his concern while tagging the management of Peshawar Zalmi. He thanked franchise for all the support in last six years.

Last 6 seasons it was a great journey..Thank you for supporting me through thick and thin M.Akram bhai @JAfridi10 @darensammy88 @WahabViki ..I think i don’t deserve to play in this category…Thank you once again..@PeshawarZalmi Best of luck..Thank You all the fans for supporting

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) December 12, 2021

It must be noted that PSL franchises finalised their squads in the recently concluded draft. Kamran's brother Umar Akmal returned to the marquee event after he was picked by the Quetta Gladiators in the silver category.