As the eldest of three brothers to have kept wicket for Pakistan, Kamran Akmal is from something of a ‘keeping dynasty. Having represented Pakistan since 2002, he is very much a veteran of international cricket. At times, Akmal has looked an absolute world beater, destroying bowling attacks for fun. At others, he has looked entirely out of place, all too often suffering from that most Pakistani of cricketing traits; inconsistency.

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Although it has been over a year since his last international appearance, Akmal is far from closing the door on representing his country. Speaking during a training session with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in the picturesque surroundings of the Beausejour Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, Akmal reiterated his desire to return to the international setup.

“Definitely, I am still available for selection. I am carrying fitness and form. I had a good season domestically back home so I am ready for CPL,” Akmal exclusively told Sport360.

“My main focus is to perform well for Red Steel. Coaching staff, players… everyone is supporting me. My job is whatever the situation is I need to perform well. That is why I am here.”

While he wasn’t involved in the recent home series against Zimbabwe, Akmal was excited to see a Test-playing nation tour Pakistan for the first time in six years, something he says is immensely important for the development of cricket in the country.

“It was a very warm welcome to the Zimbabwe cricket team in Pakistan, so I am very happy and full credit to the PCB and the Pakistan government. I am very happy it is back to international cricket in Pakistan.

“I played against West Indies and against England in 2005 and 2006. I played in the series in 2007 and 2009. Having played home series I know the value of it for every player. I am very happy it is back home. All Pakistanis are very happy that Zimbabwe visited Pakistan. It is good for the Pakistan cricket team.”

Following the Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus in 2009, Pakistan have played ‘home’ fixtures in the UAE. And, while the Zimbabwe tour was a significant step towards international cricket returning to Pakistan, the country is still a long way from other international side following Zimbabwe’s lead. The recently announced franchise T20 tournament is testament to that with PCB officials deciding to host the first season in the UAE having acknowledged that top players are reluctant to play in Pakistan.

“Everyone is hurt back home [by cricket’s absence],” Akmal said. “It has been six years without international cricket. A home series is important for every player so they can perform well and get their confidence up. The last six years without a home series has left a lot of players missing playing in front of their home crowd.

“So let’s see if in the future the PCB can arrange all the things that the other teams need for international cricket to be back in Pakistan.”

International cricket’s absence from Pakistan is not the only thing hindering the country’s progression. Their players are also exiled from competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with political disputes outside of and including cricket, currently exiling Pakistani players from the tournament.

With bilateral cricket ties expected to resume between the fierce rivals in the UAE later this year, it is expected that Pakistan players will finally be allowed to return to the IPL as of next year’s edition. Akmal firmly believes that by playing alongside IPL stars and participating in Twenty20 cricket’s extravaganza will further improve the national side.

 “All the [Indian] players I am talking to during the match and off the field. They are very good guys, a very good team and very good teammates. For Pakistan players, the IPL is most important. All of the world is playing IPL, but for Pakistan players it is just the other tournaments.

“It is very good for us players, so maybe in future the Pakistan players can play in the IPL. I played in the first edition for the Rajasthan Royals. I learnt a lot and it was a good experience. Hopefully in the future Pakistan players will be back at the IPL.”

In the meantime, Akmal is keen to perform for the Red Steel, further enhancing his case for inclusion in the national team.

“I am very excited. I am ready for the matches to start. The last week has given me an excellent impression. All the work, the fielding and the batting, all the players are giving 100%.

“I am very excited about performing well for my team. Performance and fitness is my aim. To get my team into a good position to play in finals and for me to play well. That is it.”

Kamran Akmal is playing for the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in the Hero Caribbean Premier League. The Biggest Party in Sport runs from 20th June to 26th July.