Veteran Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on Sunday (December 12) opted out of the 2022 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Kamran, who has represented Pakistan in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is, took this decision after he was relegated to Silver category during the PSL drafts.

Peshawar Zalmi picked Kamran but the 39-year-old refused to play citing that he doesn't "deserve to play in this category".

"Last 6 seasons it was a great journey. Thank you for supporting me through thick and thin M.Akram bhai @JAfridi10, @darensammy88, @WahabViki. I think I don't deserve to play in this category...Thank you once again.. @PeshawarZalmi Best of luck. Thank You all the fans for supporting," Kamran tweeted.

Kamran Akmal is the second highest run-scorer in PSL history with 1820 runs in 69 matches at an average of 27.57.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kamran further said: “Perhaps the team has no use for me anymore."

He also suggested that the lower categories are better suited for the youngsters and he wants the Peshawar franchise to release him.

“Please release me because I don’t deserve to play in this category. The lower categories are better suited for youngsters. I don’t want Peshawar Zalmi’s sympathy just because I have played for them in the past six seasons."

Akmal further said he motivated himself to continue after being demoted from Platinum to Gold in the past.

“I was surprised with my category demotion from Platinum to Gold despite my good track record. I had motivated myself to play even when I was demoted to the Gold category. But suddenly being drafted into a lower category, after having done well for so many years, is very difficult. While they agreed to pay me the salary as per the Gold category, it’s not about the money."

Kamran Akmal's last appearance for Pakistan was back in 2017. He has more than 6000 runs to his name in international cricket, including 11 centuries and 27 fifties.