Veteran Domestic Cricketer Reveals How He Turned Down Offers to Play for USA

Top-order wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Akhlaq has revealed that he was approached by the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) with an offer to represent the USA at the professional level.

However, the 32-year-old cricketer, who is currently representing the Dolphins in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, turned down the offer, reaffirming his commitment to playing for Pakistan.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Muhammad Akhlaq confirmed the approach from the associate cricket nation but made it clear that his focus remains on representing Pakistan. He said,

Yes, I was offered by the US, but obviously, I planned my whole life to play for Pakistan. My mindset is that I have to play all my cricket for Pakistan and in Pakistan. I will get whatever is in my fate, so I have no plans to leave the country.

Akhlaq also spoke about the unique challenges of being a wicketkeeper-batter in Pakistan, where competition for the role is fierce due to its exclusivity.

“Obviously, there is only one option for the wicketkeeper in the team, so the selection process is tougher,” he explained. He noted that in modern white-ball cricket, teams often rely on part-time wicketkeepers, which adds another layer of complexity to the selection process.

“In white-ball cricket nowadays, even part-time wicketkeeper-batters get the job done. It is tough, but I am working hard to achieve it,” Akhlaq said, expressing his determination to earn a spot in the national team.