Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi has tied up with Kamral Akmal, confirming that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman will play for the team next season.
A veteran of 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is, the 39-year-old Akmal, who had been an integral part of Zalmi for six years, recently urged the franchise to release him as he “didn’t deserve to play in the silver category”. “.
Akmal is the second highest run-scorer in PSL history, but before the Player Draft, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dropped him from the Platinum category.
“As far as the category is concerned, I was not happy when it was initially announced. I was very surprised to see my category demotion despite my good track record. Lower categories are better suited for the youth,” Akmal had said.
However, on Wednesday Akmal confirmed to espncricinfo.com that the differences have been resolved and that he will continue to play for Zalmi.
Akmal said, “For me self respect is most important and it is not about money. If it was more about money I could have left Zalmi long ago but they are like a family and I never thought of leaving them. Didn’t even imagine. This is the process. It was basically amazing and how the board disregards senior cricketers.
“It’s sad because it’s a domestic tournament and I haven’t finished yet. It’s the passion for the sport that drives me forward and the performance that matters. I am not watching internationally because I know I don’t deserve it but in PSL I think I want a lot at this level. Zalmi is my pride and I will play for him.”
“We have a lot of respect for Kamran,” Zalmi’s head coach Mohammad Akram said.
“Picking him in the silver category was a part of our strategy as the draft decides who you pick at which level. We had the right-to-match card and if a team could try to pick it up, we saved it for that. So when you have a tool to protect your player, you make sure he doesn’t get hurt in terms of money.”
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