Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal admonished the media by saying he would retire immediately after taking coaching courses. Updated: 7 January 21, 2023, 11:23 pm Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal said today that he is retiring from all forms of cricket following his appointment to the selection panel. Cricket News). Kamran said that he immediately took his retirement because he had an interest in coaching and teaching.

Kamran Akmal is a former Pakistani cricketer who is widely considered one of the finest wicket-keepers and top-order batsmen that the country has ever produced. Born on January 13, 1982, in Lahore, Pakistan, Kamran hails from a family of cricketers, with his brothers, Adnan and Umar, also being professional cricketers.

Personal Life:

Kamran Akmal was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, where he spent his early years playing cricket on the streets and in local clubs. He attended the Islamia College, Lahore, and later joined the Pakistan Customs Department, where he worked as a customs officer for several years. Kamran is married to Aaiza Ilyas, and the couple has two children.

International Career:

Kamran Akmal made his international debut for Pakistan in November 2002, in a One Day International (ODI) match against Zimbabwe. He went on to establish himself as the country's first-choice wicket-keeper and a reliable batsman in all formats of the game.

One of Kamran's most memorable performances came in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, where he scored 273 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries and a century, and was named the player of the tournament. He also played a crucial role in Pakistan's historic victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, where he scored 91 runs in five matches and took six catches.

However, Kamran's international career was not without its controversies. He was often criticized for his inconsistent performances with the gloves and behind-the-stumps and was dropped from the team on several occasions. He was also involved in a number of controversial incidents, including the infamous 'Sydney Test' in 2010, where he dropped several catches and was accused of match-fixing.

Domestic Career:

Kamran Akmal has a long and successful domestic career, having played for several teams in the Pakistani domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut for Lahore in 1999 and went on to play for teams like Pakistan Customs, Habib Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, and Lahore Lions. He has scored over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket, including 25 centuries and 57 half-centuries, and has taken over 600 catches and 50 stumpings.

Cricket Administration:

After retiring from international cricket in 2017, Kamran Akmal has been actively involved in cricket administration in Pakistan. He was appointed as the Director of Cricket Operations for the Lahore Qalandars franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2019 and played a key role in the team's success in the tournament.

Coaching Career:

Kamran Akmal has also ventured into coaching and currently serves as a coach at the Lahore Qalandars High-Performance Centre. He has been praised for his ability to mentor young players and help them improve their skills and is seen as a potential candidate for coaching roles in the future.

Match-Fixing Allegations:

Kamran Akmal was one of several Pakistani cricketers who were implicated in the infamous match-fixing scandal during the team's tour of England in 2010. The scandal rocked the cricketing world and led to the suspension of several Pakistani players, including Kamran's brother Umar.

Kamran himself was accused of deliberately dropping several catches during the fourth Test of the series, which Pakistan lost to England by innings and 225 runs. However, he denied the allegations and maintained his innocence, stating that his poor performance was due to a lack of form and confidence.

In 2017, Kamran was once again accused of being involved in match-fixing during the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. He was alleged to have been in contact with bookies and to have played a role in fixing the match's outcome. However, no concrete evidence was found, and Kamran was not charged with any wrongdoing.

Other Leagues:

Despite his success in international cricket, Kamran Akmal was also known for his involvement in other cricket leagues around the world. He played in several domestic T20 leagues, including the Bangladesh Premier League, the Caribbean Premier League, and the Hong Kong T20 Blitz.

Kamran was also a regular participant in the Indian Cricket League (ICL), a rival league to the Indian Premier League (IPL) that was established in 2007. The ICL was not recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and its players were banned from playing international cricket.

PSL Career:

Kamran Akmal's PSL career has been one of the most successful in the tournament's history. He has been a regular feature in the Peshawar Zalmi squad since the inaugural season in 2016 and has been one of the team's most consistent performers.

In the first season of the PSL, Kamran finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer, with 353 runs in 10 matches, and was named the player of the tournament. He also played a crucial role in Peshawar Zalmi's victory in the 2017 season, where he scored 353 runs in 13 matches and took 12 catches behind the stumps.

Kamran's performances in the PSL have earned him widespread praise from fans and experts alike. He is regarded as one of the best wicket-keepers and opening batsmen in the tournament's history and has been a key figure in Peshawar Zalmi's success.

In conclusion, Kamran Akmal is a highly accomplished cricketer who has had a remarkable career in international and domestic cricket. While his career was marred by several controversies, including match-fixing allegations, he remains one of Pakistan's most talented cricketers. His success in the PSL has been particularly noteworthy, and he continues to be a valuable asset to the Peshawar Zalmi team.