LAHORE: Pakistan's discarded middle-order batter Umar Akmal said he is ready to play for the national team once again.
Speaking to media here today, Akmal said he is working hard on his fitness and game with personal trainers.
"I am training hard at Salman Qadir Academy which was built by my father-in-law Abdul Qadir," he shared.
"I am trying to prepare myself for every challenge. I am working on my fitness with personal trainers.
"Of course, I am ready to play for Pakistan again if given chance," he responded to a question.
Akmal last played for Pakistan back in 2019. It was a T20 international against Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
While talking about playing in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL), Akmal said it depends on the franchise owners. "I am available for LPL. It depends on the teams whether they pick me or not. I am looking forward to it," he said.
Meanwhile, Akmal also wished good luck to the players who are currently attending specialised training camps under the banner of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
"Players are working really hard in the camp. I have personally watched them making efforts in this hot weather," he said.
"I hope that these players get reward of their hard work."
Specialised camp for spinners is currently underway at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Camp for fast bowlers will start on June 16. Batters will attend both camps.
List of invited players
Spinners – Abrar Ahmed, Ali Asfand, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Mohammad Junaid, Mehran Mumtaz, Mubasir Khan, Noman Ali, Qasim Akram, Sajid Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usama Mir and Zahid Mehmood
Fast bowlers – Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani
Batters – Abdullah Shafique, Haris Sohail, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Huraira, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir
- Umar Akmal