ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s middle order batsman Umar Akmal has claimed that the skills of a player are more important as compared to fitness standards.
While talking in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the 29-year-old stated that he had not received enough chances and hoped the new system would rectify the situation.
“I have not received enough chances. Now the new system is in place, my best wishes are with them [PCB]. I am hopeful they will now give me a chance. I will deliver my skill work for Pakistan,” Akmal said.
Akmal stated that a lot of emphasis was being put on fitness rather than skills, which the middle order batsman claimed was the wrong strategy.
“Skills should be seen first. Fitness comes along with it. No one can say that I am unfit. I am playing a lot of cricket around the world. I am also playing a lot of first-class cricket and performing well. Skills therefore should be given priority,” he said.
Akmal revealed that he was a changed man and claimed that fans would see a new Umar Akmal when they witness him on and off the field in the future.