espnstar.com’s Rajarshi Gupta spoke to Kamran Akmal, who talked about younger brother Umar and his future in the Pakistan team.

The inevitable has happened. After Pakistan’s disastrous tour of Australia, Akmal became one of the first casualties in the team, being axed for the two T20 Internationals against England in the UAE.

The onus now will be on the younger Akmal, Pakistan’s most promising batting prospect, Umar to shine and firm his spot in the national side.

Distraught after his own performance Down Under, Kamran exuded unmistakable pride in his sibling and his exploits thus far.

The 19-year-old batting sensation has been the toast of the team in a rather lean phase. Umar debuted against Sri Lanka in Dambulla and enthralled the world with a 66 only in his second match. He followed it up with a barnstorming unbeaten 102 in the next match at Colombo and amply showed that he was a rare bird. “He is a rare talent and has achieved everything on his own,” a beaming Kamran said of Umar.
 
“I feel so proud to see him go out and do well for the team and the country. He has been a consistent performer in the domestic level and for the Pakistan ‘A’ team, and I am sure he has a great future ahead of him.”

Kamran remembered how former selector Abdul Qadir had supported his brother and eventually unearthed a gem.

“Qadir was a huge help. Our family and friends have been very supportive too. Whenever the two of us are at the crease, these are the people we think of and how we should not let them down.

We realise we play for Pakistan and try hard to keep the flag flying high.”

Kamran may not bat with his brother for Pakistan for some time now but come as it may, the elder brother is happy to see someone else in the family making a mark.

“I admit I had a severe dip in form in Australia. I dropped catches and did not score many runs and there was bound to be some criticism,” he said.

Therefore, the sack may not have come as a surprise but at least he has his brother’s role to look forward to.

Meanwhile, Kamran played down the IPL snub to Pakistani cricketers, saying for him and his teammates, playing for the country was priority.

“We are professional cricketers so whatever happened in the auctions did not bother us. I am happy the PCB and the government did everything they could to ensure we played at the IPL.”

The Lahore born wicketkeeper did not rule out holding out an olive branch, saying he would be happy to come and play in the next edition of the lucrative T20 tournament if he were given a chance.

That, though, is in the distant future. As of now, there is the small matter of fighting his way back into the Pakistani team.

The Akmal household must be going through an emotional rollercoaster now as one Akmal has gained the respect while the other seems to have lost it.

Click here to read the first part of the EXCLUSIVE with Kamran Akmal