RAWALPINDI: Wicket-beater Muhammad Akhlaq on Tuesday revealed that he has been approached by the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) to represent them at the professional level.
Akhlaq, who represents the Dolphins in the Champions T20 Cup, shared that he received an offer from the associated cricket nation, which he turned down due to his commitment to Pakistan.
“Yes, I was offered by the USA, but obviously I planned my whole life to play for Pakistan,” Akhlaq said.
“My mentality is that I have to play all my cricket for Pakistan and in Pakistan. I will get whatever is in my destiny, so I have no plans to leave the country,” he added.
Akhlaq further stated that it is more difficult to be selected for the national team as a wicket-taker, citing the exclusivity of the role.
“Obviously, there is only one option for wicketkeeper in the team, so the selection process is more difficult, but these days in white-ball cricket, even part-time wicketkeeper batsmen get the job done. It is difficult but I am working hard to achieve it,” Akhlaq said.
Muhammad Akhlaq reflected on his experience of playing under the guidance of former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in the ongoing tournament and shared that he is honing his wicket-keeping skills by working with the 37-year-old.
“Yes, (Sarfaraz) is working with me, he is guiding me a lot about wicket keeping and I am working on that,” Akhlaq said.
“And I am hopeful that my experience in wicket-keeping will increase day by day. So, I’m really enjoying working with him”, he concluded.
