KARACHI: Experienced wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal on Tuesday, confirmed to have parted ways with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi.
Akmal, himself, confirmed the development on his YouTube channel Catch and Bat with Kamran Akmal as he revealed that the newly-appointed head coach of Zalmi Darren Sammy informed him about the franchise’s decision of not to retain him ahead of the player draft.
“I am not part of Peshawar Zalmi anymore. Head Coach Darren Sammy informed me that Peshawar Zalmi will not retain me for PSL 8,” said Akmal.
“I will be available for selection in the draft of PSL 8 now, though. Let’s see which franchise picks me,” he continued.
The wicketkeeper batter then took to his Twitter and express gratitude to Zalmi’s management for their continued support throughout the journey.
“Goodbyes are always hard..it has been a wonderful 7 years journey with [Peshawar Zalmi],” Akmal wrote.
“Thanks for always supporting me in my hard times in my highs and lows. I am and always will be grateful to u all for believing in me. Special thanks [Javed Afridi, Muhammad Akram, Darren Sammy and Wahab Riaz],” the statement added.
Goodbyes are always hard..it has been a wonderful 7 years journey with @PeshawarZalmi Thanks for always supporting me in my hard times in my highs and lows.i am and i always will be grateful to u all for believing in me.Special thanks @JAfridi10 M.Akram @darensammy88 @WahabViki
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 1, 2022
The right-handed batter is the second-highest run-scorer in PSL history, with 1972 runs in 75 matches at an average of 27.38 and a strike rate of 136.94.
Akmal has the most number of centuries by any batter in the league (3) and also the most number of dismissals (62) to his name.
It is pertinent to mention that Akmal had also announced to withdraw from the PSL 7 over category demotion but later continued to represent the former champions after a successful dialogue with Zalmi’s coach and director cricket Muhammad Akram.
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