Umar Akmal ‘ready’ to represent Pakistan again if given chance

LAHORE: Experienced middle-order batter Umar Akmal on Tuesday, stated that he is willing to represent the Pakistan cricket team again if given the opportunity.

Umar Akmal spoke to the media here and shared that he is still making hard yards to earn his return to the national side by working on his fitness and skills.

“I am training continuously, due to the ongoing camp in the academy I am training in Qadir Academy which my father-in-law built,” he shared.

“With cricket, fitness is very important to focus on so I am training hard and spend the whole day doing so.

“Of course, I am ready to play for Pakistan again if given a chance,” he responded to a question.

Umar Akmal also commented about him potentially playing in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) and stated that it depends on the franchises whether they pick him or not but expressed optimism to perform well.

“It is up to them to sign me for Lanka Premier League if they do I will give my hundred percent,” said Akmal.

Umar Akmal then went on to comment on the specialised camp for spinners, currently underway at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and extended his well wishes to all the participants.

“Players are working really hard in the camp. I have personally watched them making efforts in this hot weather,” he said.

“I hope that these players get rewarded for their hard work,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Umar Akmal last donned Pakistan jersey in 2019 in the T20I against Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium here.

He remained a regular part of the Pakistan men’s cricket team from his debut – in 2009 – to 2016. He represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is, piling up 5887 runs across formats with the help of three centuries and 34 half-centuries.

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