Akmal determined to win Pakistan place back

Pakistan

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal says he is determined to win his place back in the national team after he was not given a central contract by the country’s cricket board (PCB).

The 27-year-old Akmal was sent home in disgrace from Pakistan’s successful Champions Trophy squad in May after he failed two standard fitness tests in the UK.

Akmal was then not named in the PCB’s list of new central contracts that was given at the start of July.

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The right-handed batter admits he has had his fitness issues but will do everything in his power to gain the trust and support of the national selectors again.

The Express Tribune quoted Akmal as saying: “It really hurt to miss out on the Champions Trophy, especially considering the importance of the tournament.

“I have a lot of regret for not being part of a team that created history by bringing the prestigious trophy back to Pakistan, but at the same time I am very happy for the boys.

“I admit that I had fitness issues and am trying to fix those in order to make a comeback. I don’t have any other thing on my mind but to return to the national side. I want to return and make my parents and my country proud of me.

“Cricket is everything for me. It feels bad to be out of the team and without a central contract but I have nobody to blame but myself.”

Pakistan Umar Akmal

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