Akmal says domestic players will take game seriously again with advent of PSL

Ajit Vijaykumar 20:57 02/02/2016
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  • Islamabad United players during a training session at the ICC Academy.

    Ever since Pakistan cricket’s international isolation following the 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan players, locally-based players have been deprived of interaction with top-class foreign teams and that is evident in the dwindling numbers of talented cricketers coming through the ranks.

    But Akmal feels with the advent of the PSL, which gets under way in the UAE on Thursday, cricket in the country can enjoy a revival.

    “In such leagues, the best players in world come together. Sharing a dressing room with them can only be beneficial to young players.

    “When a KP (Kevin Pietersen) or a Chris Gayle arrives, the cricket only improves. There is more professionalism among the players and they get to learn a lot from them,” Akmal said.

    “Every player will now look to improve his performance and fitness. Franchises are bidding for players and they will take things very seriously now. It was not happening for some time as there was no club or school cricket. With PSL, things will get more serious now.”

    Akmal said it was the responsibility of all players involved to ensure the PSL is a successful venture.

    “We will try to make PSL a success. This league should have happened five six years ago. But it is happening now. It’s a great moment for the whole of Pakistan,” added the 34-year-old.

    Akmal revealed that apart from a decent pay day, there was the added bonus of impressing selectors with the World T20 a month away.

    “Anyone who performs well in the PSL can dream of the World T20. It all depends on performance.

    Our domestic cricket finished a few days back. Everyone, including me, put in our full effort. So I will be looking to make a comeback. My job is to be fit and give my best. The rest is up to the selectors,” he said.

    Another big name looking forward to the tournament’s launch is former Pakistan wicketkeeper and captain Moin Khan. The Quetta Gladiators coach said the PSL can boost Pakistan cricket the same way the IPL did in India.

    “We saw that after IPL, India’s T20 and ODI cricket gained a lot and they unearthed new players. This is the same thing that’s going to happen in Pakistan cricket. The confidence that players will gain after sharing the dressing room with star players, they will only improve,” Khan said.

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