'MS Dhoni deserves a farewell like Sachin Tendulkar', says Kamran Akmal

The World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford was Dhoni's last appearance in Team India colours.

By Salman Anjum - 20 Aug, 2020

Regarded as one of India's greatest cricketers, MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday (August 15).

Ever since the wicketkeeper-batsman disclosed his decision through a social media post, he is garnering praises from all quarters for his services to the game.

Amid a number of accolades, there was also rich tribute from veteran Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal for Dhoni.

According to Akmal, the World Cup-winning skipper deserves a farewell like the legendary Sachin Tendulkar got in 2013 at the Wankhede Stadium.

See Also: Farewell match for MS Dhoni being considered by BCCI

"He was a player who took the team along. Doing captaincy is very easy, that I do captaincy and my place remains secure whether the team wins or losses, you have no concern. But Dhoni had this specialty that he was building the team and his own performance was also world-class. You can see the players he was creating, they are still No.1. He only wanted to do good for his country," Akmal told Paktv.tv.

"Such players should not go like this, he should get a standing ovation. He should get a farewell match where he goes from the ground, like the way the great Sachin Tendulkar went. He has gone just like his name Mr. Cool. Such a player comes rarely in world cricket," he added.

"Such captains are very much required. We have seen Inzi Bhai and Younis Bhai, how they have carried the team along. MS Dhoni was destined to play for India and he did well for his nation. He is a great example in front of us. He has not only played cricket but built a team as well and taken the Indian in an upward direction. Such mentality should also be there in our captains," he continued.

Akmal, who played against Dhoni on several occasions, said he wished that Pakistan cricket also produce a captain like MS Dhoni who take the team to new heights.

"Nowadays, you see that they are playing for their own positions, to secure their spots and they have no concern whether the team wins or not. Such things are harmful to any country's team. I wish such captains come to Pakistan as well. It is a request to the current captain that unless they win and their own performance is not world-class, the way Dhoni has done, we will not be able to go up," he remarked.

By Salman Anjum - 20 Aug, 2020

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