‘Peshawar Zalmi is my pride'- Kamran Akmal takes U-turn after initially asking the franchise to release him

Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has withdrawn his decision of not playing in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 39-year-old had earlier protested and expressed his displeasure after Peshawar Zalmi picked him in the silver category during the PSL draft.

Akmal, a prolific contributor for Zalmi, felt he deserved at least a gold category. The wicketkeeper-batter was demoted from the Diamond to Gold category on the day of draft. The 39-year-old was also the last pick made by Zalmi in the silver category. This didn’t go down well with Akmal, who is the team’s second-highest run-scorer. Taking to twitter, a disappointed Akmal asked the franchise to release him as he does not want to play PSL anymore.

The Zalmi management had a meeting with Akmal to address his concerns and after a healthy discussion, the batter  agreed to play the PSL. The 39-year-old said he feels he has a lot to offer in PSL. The seasoned campaigner also revealed he will continue to be part of Zalmi.

"For me self-respect is foremost and it's not about money," Akmal told ESPNcricinfo. "Had it about the more money I could have left Zalmi long ago but they are like a family and I never imagined leaving them. It's the process that basically was surprising and how the board disregards the senior cricketers. It's hurtful as it's a domestic tournament and I am not done yet. It's the passion for the game that kept me going and the performance that matters. I am not looking at the international level as I know I don't deserve it but at PSL I think I deserve a lot at this level. Zalmi is my pride and I will be playing for them."