Kamran Akmal takes a U-turn from his decision to not play in PSL 7

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has made a U-turn from his decision of not taking part in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 39-year-old was disappointed after being demoted to the Silver category in the player draft. Akmal felt he deserved the gold category after playing well for the franchise in previous six years.

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The wicketkeeper-batter had stated that he don't want any sympathy from Zalmi. In a conversation on his YouTube channel, "Catch and bat with Kamran Akmal", the cricketer had said: "Perhaps the team has no use for me anymore and the PSL would do better to give a chance to younger players rather than pick me in the Silver category".

Akmal had also posted a Tweet on his official Twitter account and thanked the Zalmi owners, team members, and fans for their support and love towards him during his six-year journey.

However, Peshawar Zalmi management had a meeting with Akmal to address his issues and concerns ahead of PSL 7. Mohammad Akram, Zalmi head coach said that picking Akmal in the Silver category was a part of their strategy. He also said the team has a great amount of respect for the veteran player.

"We have great respect for Kamran. Picking him in the Silver category was a part of our strategy as the draft dictates who you pick at what stage. We had the right-to-match card with us and we saved it for him in case any team could have tried to pick him. So, when you have a tool to protect your player you make sure that he isn’t hurt money-wise,” Akram was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo.

“We respect his feelings but once I explained to him, he understood. We lifted him in the silver category but at the same time, we named him as a mentor as well. He is a very senior cricketer and as a coach, I get motivation from his passion and hunger, and hard work that he still puts in like an Under-19 boy. So, it’s all sorted and he is very much part of our side,” he added.