Kamran Akmal calls for Umar Akmal’s inclusion in T20I side

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Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes that middle-order batsman Umar Akmal, who is also his younger brother, should be included in Pakistan’s T20I side, especially considering the Men in Green’s middle-order woes.

Umar recently served a 12-month ban over failure to report corrupt approaches and is eligible to reintegrate into competitive cricket subject to deposits of fine of Rs.4,250,000 and undergoing the program of rehabilitation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Kamran said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should start Umar’s rehabilitation process as soon as possible.

“Umar Akmal can also be selected, his case and punishment is now out of the way as well. We need to quickly start his rehab rather than delaying it. PCB should work with him at the high performance camp, like it does with other players and help him prepare for domestic cricket and next PSL. As far is fine is concerned, if Umar can’t pay, I have asked the PCB to deduct the fine from my PSL retainer,” he said.

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The 39-year-old also called for veteran all-rounders Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim’s inclusion in the Pakistan lineup. 

“They are tired of doing experiments but are still not stopping. Pakistan team needs the experience of Shoaib Malik in middle-order in T20 cricket. Imad Wasim wanted rest and you dropped him, why did you do that?” he said.

The Peshawar Zalmi-player also hoped that remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six matches are completed in June, 2021.

“The cricket board made good arrangements last time as well but they need to improve it even further. As a player, responsibility lies on me and as well along with other cricketers. We need to follow the SOPs set in place because it’s really important that the PSL finishes [in June] because there is no available window after that,” he concluded.