Don't compare me with Shehzad: Umar Akmal

Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Umar Akmal, in a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, claimed that it was not right to compare him with opener Ahmed Shehzad and asked to be assessed in an individual capacity.

The batsman emphasised the differences between himself and Shehzad and asked to be praised or criticised based on his own performances.

“I am usually associated and compared with Ahmed Shehzad, which is not right. We have different goals and identities. We have different roles and should be criticised or praised in our individual capacities,” Akmal said.

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The 29-year-old accepted the fact that his performance against Sri Lanka was below the required standard and vowed to make a comeback in the side.

“It is not easy to make a comeback whatever team you play for. There is always pressure to solidify your place in the side. I can only say that I was unlucky to get out on the first ball against Sri Lanka. I could not perform well. I am working harder and I believe that the chief selector Misbahul Haq will give me another chance and I will not disappoint,” he said.

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Akmal praised the media for its role in the return of international cricket in Pakistan while expressing hope in the Pakistan Test side to deliver a good performance against Australia in their upcoming Test series Down Under.

“International cricket is returning to Pakistan and the media has played a big role in it alongwith the efforts of the PCB. I hope the team can perform well. They gave chances to new players in the T20I’s. Winning and losing is part of the game. I am hopeful that the team will perform well in the Test matches against Australia,” he concluded.