Geared up to deliver the goods for Pakistan in future, Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper/batsman, claims that he does not need to prove anything to anyone, having won numerous matches for the country in past.
The 31-year-old cricketer came through the ranks of junior cricket in the country, having represented Pakistan at different age-groups. Even in his early days, the cricketer from Lahore was tipped to be one of the candidates to replace Moin Khan and Rashid Latif in the national team.
Akmal went on to make his Test debut in 2002 but cemented his place in the Pakistan team in 2005. The right-handed batsman has so far scored 11 centuries at the highest stage of the sport, including a number of match-winning ones. The wicketkeeper/batsman’s wonderful centuries in Mohali and Karachi against India are considered to be at the top of the list.
Quoted by Cricinfo, Akmal expressed that he still cherishes those wonderful knocks but he wants to perform well for Pakistan in the coming years as well. The stylish batsman did not play any big innings during the recently concluded tour of South Africa but he is happy with a couple of cameos which were helpful for the team’s cause.
“These were the finest innings of my career but I want to win more matches for the country. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone as I have delivered on so many occasions,” said the cricketer from Lahore. “Obviously you learn every day and improve yourself. I had a good South Africa series and playing up the order really helped me regain my confidence.”
Commenting on the role of a wicketkeeper in the team, Kamran said that two legends of the modern-day sport, Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher, have redefined this job and now a wicketkeeper must be able to contribute with the bat as well.
“I think the role of a wicketkeeper was extended with players like [Adam] Gilchrist and [Mark] Boucher, who have taken the role to a different height. Now a wicketkeeper is one of the most important players in the team,” he added.
