LAHORE: Pakistani Test cricketer Umar Akmal has stated that he is focused on improving his fitness and making a comeback to the national squad.
For failing to report in PSL 2020, Umar was banned under the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Anti-Corruption Code. But he has returned to cricket and played for Quetta Gladiators in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Talking to the media in Lahore, Umar said: "My job is to work hard so that I can continue to perform, and wherever I get the opportunity, I have tried to give my 100 percent.
"However, selecting for the national team is the job of the selectors, coaches, and captain. And my job is to continue to work. I have to improve my fitness so that I can make a good comeback on the national side."
Talking about the hard times, Umar said that he was supported by his family, and due to which, he could make a comeback in PSL.
"The time I have gone through, I will always pray that that time does not come upon anyone."
"When I was going through tough times, my family did not let me fall, and because of them, I came back to the cricket field. The Quetta Gladiators trusted me, which boosted my morale, and I performed well in PSL 2022," the 31-year-old said.
After Iftar, Umar trains for hours at the local academy in Lahore.
"I have to participate in Ramadan cricket in Karachi now, and after that, I am looking forward to playing in leagues. I hope I will be seen in action in leagues," the right-handed batter said.
Umar added that Australia's historic tour of Pakistan was great and was gutted to not be a part of it.
"It is good to have international cricket in Pakistan. Whenever there is a home series and if you don't play, the cricketer definitely misses a great opportunity. I think the home series against Australia has been great, and the fans also enjoyed it to the fullest," Umar signed off.
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