Kamran Akmal opts out of PSL 7 after being demoted to silver category

Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has expressed his disappointment after being demoted to the Silver category in player draft for PSL 7. The wicketkeeper batter was roped in by Peshawar Zalmi. However, the former Pakistan player does not want to play in the Silver category and asked Zalmi to release him.

In a conversation on the YouTube channel "Catch and bat with Kamran Akmal," the former Pakistan cricketer said Zalmi should give youngsters a chance instead of picking him in the Silver category. "Perhaps the team has no use for me anymore."

"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 has been with Zalmi since the inception of PSL. He has been an instrumental part of the franchise and played pivotal roles in many of their wins. The 39-year-old said he was shocked when his category was changed from platinum to gold, despite doing well for the team. Akmal also felt he deserves the gold category.

"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," Akmal further said.

Akmal also took to Twitter and thanked Zalmi for their support for the past six years. He thanked the owner and team members Daren Sammy and Wahab Riaz.

“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," he tweeted.