Kamran Akmal highlighted the team’s well-rounded strengths, particularly in fast and spin bowling, as well as batting.
He underlined the importance of striking the right balance, asserting that a cohesive unit had been forged. With the World Cup slated to take place in India, he viewed the conditions as favorable, presenting a golden opportunity for Pakistan to seize the title. Additionally, the fact that many Pakistani players would be playing in a neighboring country for the first time adds significance to the event. Kamran Akmal emphasized the need for alignment among key figures, including Mickey Arthur, Babar Azam, and the new chief selector.
The former cricketer urged the Pakistani team to play fearlessly and assertively. He stressed the necessity of dominating opponents in the Asia Cup and advocated for aiming beyond a mere score of 270 in matches. Given the expectation of high-scoring encounters, Kamran Akmal suggested that the team should target totals ranging from 325 to 350. He even envisioned a final between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, citing his experience as a basis.
Kamran Akmal identified the potential benefits of reverse swing for Pakistani bowlers. Notably, he singled out Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah as capable assets, while spinners like Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are also poised to make an impact. He stressed the significance of maximizing the favorable conditions by deploying the right combination.
Expressing his stance on squad selection, Kamran Akmal advocated for the inclusion of Sarfaraz Ahmed alongside Mohammad Rizwan. He deemed Sarfaraz’s past performances as commendable and suggested that his exclusion had been unjust. Kamran Akmal emphasized Rizwan’s contributions across all formats and asserted that he is essential for achieving a balanced lineup in T20 and ODI cricket. He highlighted Rizwan’s role in solidifying the middle order after Fakhr Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam.
Turning his attention to emerging players, Kamran Akmal identified promising talents like Mohammad Haris, Rohail Nazir, and Haseebullah. While acknowledging their potential, he advised Haseebullah to work on enhancing his wicket-keeping skills. Kamran Akmal underscored the importance of experience for the World Cup and suggested Sarfaraz Ahmed as a suitable second wicket-keeper option. He emphasized the need for a backup keeper who could contribute effectively in the middle order. In conclusion, Kamran Akmal encouraged young players to gain valuable experience through domestic cricket and international tours.