KARACHI: Former cricketer Kamran Akmal backed Babar Azam’s decision to resign as Pakistan’s all-format captain on Friday during a private event at Rashid Latif Cricket Academy.

Kamran Akmal, while talking to the media praised Babar Azam for his decision, and also showed faith in the newly appointed Test captain Shan Masood.

“Babar has made a very good decision to quit captaincy in all formats,” said the former wicket-keeper.

“Shan Masood has the potential to lead Pakistan. We have a new captain, but the core players are the same, we should perform at our best.”

Upon being asked about getting a role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he clarified that the board has made no contact with him, however, he expressed his desire to work at the grassroot level and help develop players in age-group cricket.

“I haven’t been contact by the board [PCB]. Yes, I want to work for Pakistan, but do not want to be directly associated with the Pakistan team,” said the former wicketkeeper.

“I want to work at the grassroot level and with the age group cricket teams,” he added.

Kamran Akmal also shed light on the importance of domestic cricket and urged that the best performers in domestic cricket should be given the opportunity in the national team.

“I have been saying this for the last five or six years, that players should play more domestic cricket,” said Akmal.

“Earlier, a player used to be selected in the Pakistan team after playing two to three domestic seasons, but things have changed now.”

“Players who regularly perform in domestic cricket should be given maximum opportunities,” he further added.

Kamran Akmal has represented Pakistan in 53 Test, 58 T20I and 157 ODI matches, scoring over 6000 runs across three formats.

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