DUBAI: Peshawar Zalmi’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has hailed presence of former captain Younis Khan, saying that the guidance of Younis Khan was very helpful for the batsmen of the team.
Younis is with the franchise Peshawar Zalmi as batting coach and mentor, and according to Kamran, the mentorship of former captain helped him continue his form in the tournament.
“Younis bhai’s presence in the dressing room helped me a lot,” said Kamran after his 48-ball-88 against Islamabad United in the opening match of Pakistan Super League in Dubai.
“He [Younis Khan] has always been like a mentor to me, even when I scored my first century. Today he told me to remain positive and focused, and encouraged me to smash every bowler,” Kamran told geo.tv in an exclusive chat.
Despite Kamran’s heroic innings that helped Peshawar Zalmi post a mammoth 190/9 in twenty overs, the opening game was won by Islamabad United. The Pakistani wicket-keeper batsman said that he doesn’t regret missing the century.
“Century would have been something good, but 88 wasn’t bad too. I don’t have any regrets of missing a possible century, I would have been happier if we would have won the match today,” he said.
“T20 is a funny game, one moment can change the game. I will not blame anyone for the defeat (against Peshawar). Islamabad got a good partnership by Haddin and Smith which took the game away from us. Nevertheless, we are focused on next game and we will overcome our mistakes in the game against Karachi,” he said.
Kamran has been in superb form this season, after scoring over a thousand runs in Quaid e Azam Trophy and being among top performers of National ODI, the out-of-favor wicket-keeper batsman has set his eyes on fresh chance after showing consistency in his batting form.
“I am glad that I am performing and my form is in good shape. My job is to do well and perform, it is up to selectors to decide if I am worthy for the team,” he said.