ISLAMABAD-Test cricketer Kamran Akmal expressed utter disappointment over his exclusion from the West Indies-bound T20 squad and termed it a highly unjustified decision.

Talking to The Nation on Friday, Pakistan’s arguably most explosive opening batsman Kamran, who is still rated as one of the best in the country by the top coaches, said: “I don’t know what else I have to do to impress the selectors. I have been performing both with willow and gloves for the last two years on consistent basis and finished on top in each domestic season, but all my performances were overlooked. I am presently third in the National T20 after scoring 233 runs in five matches, as only Umar and Riffat Ullah are ahead of me, but I don’t know why the selectors ignored me for the upcoming home series against West Indies.”

He said he had played under former captain and present chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. “I was very hopeful that the chief selector will take my past records into consideration and provide me long-awaited justice, as I still firmly believe he is the best man for this highly important job. He knows my abilities but I don’t know what was the reason and circumstances that a person like Inzi overlooked me, otherwise I was 100 percent sure to book berth in the squad.

“I am performing at every given opportunity in the best possible fashion and I will continue to do that in future too. I am a fighter and it is my job to shut my critics’ mouths with my matchless performances and leave the rest on the selectors,” he added.

He said he could bat at any given number and could also play as a specialist batsman. “I can open, an area where Pakistan team struggling since long. I know Sharjeel and Khalid played fantastic innings to help Pakistan win the one-off T20 International against England but prior to that, Pakistan opening was always a sign of discomfort for the national team, while the team badly needs an all-rounder, who may provide much-needed strength in the middle order.

“My my job is to work hard and hard, which I will continue in future too, and I also am quite optimistic that a person like Inzamam, being head of the selection committee, will provide me justice sooner rather than later. In my personal opinion, I deserve to be in the team but I am used to this kind of treatment and never lost the hope,” he added.

“I am still hopeful I will be considered for the One-Day International against West Indies and whenever provided with an opportunity, my job is to perform whether as a batsman or as a wicketkeeper. I am ready to play as batsman as well. I think the national team required an experienced player like me to provide much-needed balance in the middle and top order,” Kamran concluded.