Don’t compare me with Ahmed Shehzad: Umar Akmal

Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has said that it was not right to compare him with opener Ahmed Shehzad and asked to be assessed in an individual capacity, Cricket Pakistan reported.

According to the details, Umar in a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday said, “I am usually associated and compared with Ahmed Shehzad, which is not right. We have different goals and identities”.

He added that we have different roles and should be criticised or praised in our individual capacities.

The 29-year-old batsman accepted the fact that his performance against Sri Lanka was below the required standard and vowed to make a comeback in the side.

“It is not easy to make a comeback whatever team you play for. There is always pressure to solidify your place in the side. I can only say that I was unlucky to get out on the first ball against Sri Lanka. I could not perform well. I am working harder and I believe that the chief selector Misbahul Haq will give me another chance and I will not disappoint,” Umar said.

Akmal praised the media for its role in the return of international cricket in Pakistan and expressed hope in the Pakistan Test side to deliver a good performance against Australia in their upcoming Test series Down Under.