Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, highly rated teenage Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal stated that he still has a lot to learn about the game of cricket.

"I've had a promising start to my international career, but I'm still learning about the game. I still have so much to learn as I have only played less than 30 first class games and under 10 international matches. Its fantastic that I have so many experienced players around me at both domestic level with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and at international level. These senior players around me help me so much and I always say to myself that it doesnt matter how long you have been playing the game of cricket, you can always still improve your game. Players at SNGPL of the calibre of Misbah ul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Shafiq and Saleem Mughal have helped me a great deal" stated 19 year old Akmal.

Akmal who has notched up 290 runs at an average of 58.00 in 8 one day internationals for Pakistan added that he felt in good shape and had been working hard on his fitness since returning from South Africa. "There was no time for rest as far as I was concerned, I got straight into the fitness training with DD (David Dwyer) at the Lahore Academy and then pre season training started with SNGPL".

Akmal who has scores of 7, 52 and 39 so far in the Quaid E Azam Trophy said he felt in good shape with the bat. "I hit 39 today and felt in good nick, ahead of the training camp that starts at Lahore on 28th October."

Whilst senior players have helped Umar over the years, the support of his family has been invaluable to him. "I am so lucky as I have the blessings of my parents behind me and my brothers Adnan and Kamran of course are always there for me and to encourage me. It definitely helps to have cricketers in the family to share thoughts, ideas and opinions" added Akmal.

Responding to a question regarding the crucial leg before decision by Simon Taufel in the semi final of the Champions Trophy Umar stated "Its just one of those things, cricketers make mistakes, so do umpires, we are all only human. Yes it was disappointing at the time when it happened, but there is no point in feeling sorry for myself. Its best to move on quickly and start thinking about the next game, as after the Champions Trophy I had to look ahead to the Quaid E Azam Trophy and now the series versus New Zealand".

The youngest of the three Akmal brothers feels that the one day series versus New Zealand will be a close one. "Its all to play for and I think both sides are evenly matched. As far as I am concerned, whoever plays the best cricket will be victorious".