Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal has stated that ‘a player’s skill is more important than his fitness’. Talking about fitness, he believes that the BCCI supported Virat Kohli and PCB did not support him much.

Umar wants more support from the Pakistan Cricket Board and expects them to not drop players before big tournaments. He gave the example of BCCI supporting Kohli since he was a young player and how they continue to support him even now.

He said, “His [Kohli’s] cricket board gave him a lot of support. They guided him and continue to guide him even now. I am not saying that I was not given support. But you know very well who the cricket board backs and doesn’t back. I would request the cricket board to support its players. If you invest in a player, than don’t drop him before big tournaments.”

“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,” he added.

The 29-year-old wants a player’s skills to be more important than his fitness. He stated that he has been playing for different teams around the world and also scoring runs at the first-class level.

“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.

He has shifted his focus entirely on his cricket and claimed that the fans will be able to see a new and improved version of Umar Akmal from now on.

“I have changed myself a lot. My family has a big role to play in this. I have not appeared in headlines or social media for the past three to four years. I am trying to focus on my training and cricket now. That is why my focus has shifted from other irrelevant things. You can say that you will see a new Umar Akmal the next time my fans see me. I am trying very hard to curtail my off field activities. I plan on giving more time to my cricket and training,” he said.

He also stated that his priority will always be playing for his country and said that he is available to play all three formats of the game for his country.

He claimed, “I am available for all three formats of cricket. My first priority is Pakistan and then other leagues. If you are playing for Pakistan and performing well, then all the leagues come to you. Being part of the Pakistan team sends a good message for all the leagues that this is the player to look out for.”

(Source: Cricket Pakistan)