Mohammad Rizwan is set to play 8-10 years, shouldn't feel any pressure regarding his spot: Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal feels that Pakistan must look beyond him and another senior wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Khan and focus instead on grooming young players alongside Mohammad Rizwan as far the glove job for the team is concerned.

Akmal lauded Rizwan for his performances with the team while adding that he should not feel any pressure regarding his spot in the team because of other senior options available for the management to consider in the likes of him or Sarfaraz.

“Cricket has given me everything and I am not the person who would become selfish and think only about myself. I think Rizwan is doing a fantastic job and he should be given the freedom to play how he wants to play,” Akmal told Cricket Pakistan when asked about a chance of making an international return and his plans going forward.

“Rizwan should not feel any pressure from my side nor Sarfaraz’s side. If PCB wants to groom someone then they should pick someone like Rohail Nazir, Bismillah Khan, Hasan, and Mohammad Haris,” he added.

Rizwan has proven his worth, he is set to play for at least 8-10 years: Kamran Akmal

Akmal made clear his interest in domestic cricket and Pakistan Super League, stating Rizwan’s rise at the international level and branding him “completely set” for the national team.

“I am currently only focused on PSL and domestic cricket as I believe Rizwan is completely set and we should support him in every way possible,” he said.

Asked about the development of Rizwan, the batter, Akmal said it is only his dedication and hard work that is reaping him and the team rewards.

“Rizwan always believed in hard work and we have always seen his focus directed towards his own game and towards cricket. There was a lot of criticism against him but he has proven his worth and like wicketkeeper go, he is set to play for at least 8-10 years,” Akmal concluded.

Akmal will be seen with Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming seventh edition of the PSL, which starts from January 27 in Karachi. Notably, Akmal had publicly expressed his disappointment after he was picked in the Silver Category in the PSL drafts, although both he and the team management gradually sorted the issue out.