‘At least play up to the standard your seniors have set’ – Former Pakistan opener’s bold statement on national team’s approach

Former Pakistan opener, Kamran Akmal shared his thoughts on left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir’s comeback to the national side and asserted that the selection committee should give opportunities to youngsters rather than going after old and experienced cricketers. The 41-year-old believes that the board should give priority to young players who are competing in domestic leagues and reward them for their hard work. Akmal stated that if Amir wants to play for the country, he should surely have a chance.

“We should definitely consider him (Amir). He plays domestic cricket. Selection shouldn’t be solely based on PSL. There is T20 cricket and ODI. He has left playing forte cricket but there is Test cricket…he can still make a comeback in Test cricket, he can perform well but you should first pay attention to players who are active in first-class cricket,” the wicketkeeper batter was quoted as saying Events & Happenings Sports’ Youtube channel.

We should be grateful that we have been able to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup: Kamran Akmal

“They should first do justice to those players. We are after him who has moved to England, trying to settle there. If he comes back and wants to play…he sure should get a chance but those who are in Pakistan, struggling and are working hard to make a comeback should be focused on first,” the right-hand batter added.

Akmal said that Pakistan should focus on improving policies and visions. “Don’t they deserve a chance? It’s not just about Mohammad Amir or Junaid Khan or any other player for that matter but we should work on our vision and better our policy,” the 41-year-old  opined.

“We should be grateful that we have been able to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Top three teams – South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka are contesting in the qualifying rounds. They are not at the level to compete there so if they make a comeback it’ll cost us the 2027 World Cup.” Akmal added.

Akmal also urged the players to step up their performance before it is too late since other teams had started to take them for granted.