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Karach: As the Pakistan net session wound up on Monday evening, two men with more than a passing resemblance were in deep conversation walking towards the dressing room. There is an eight-year difference between brothers Umar and Kamran Akmal, but incredibly, they could easily pass of as twins.
After training, it's the more experienced elder brother, 27-year-old Kamran, who seemed to be doing all the talking, while the 19-year-old Umar kept his head down and plays patient listener.
A lot is expected from Umar after his 72-ball 102 helped Pakistan win a one-dayer on their rather forgettable tour of Sri Lanka recently.
The elder brother, like the rest of the cricketing world, is aware about the buzz that is generally associated with young Pakistan players at big-stage, global cricketing events.
The country's two cricketing highs - the ICC World Cup in 1992 and the ICC World Twenty20 triumph earlier this year coincided with the coming of age of players who were thought to be green behind the ears before the tournament.
Where the batting heroics of 21-year-old Inzamam-ul-Haq played a big role in Imran Khan lifting the ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, 17-year-old pacer Mohammad Aamer made a name for himself as his side won the ICC World Twenty20 title in England three months ago.
Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam, who saw both title triumphs from close quarters, says the key is spotting talent early and giving them opportunities.
"Earlier this year in England, Aamer did us proud. Here was a 17-year-old kid who bowled the last over of the all-important semi-final against South Africa and won the match for Pakistan.
"Now we have Akmal. He went to Australia with the age-group team and he got three hundreds there. We didn't wait, we gave him an opportunity to play for the national side right away. When we spot a talented player, we give them the chance they deserve as early as we can."
The Pakistan team management will take a final call on the availability of their injured skipper Younus Khan for their opening game of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
Younus was on the sidelines of the Pakistan nets with the fingers of the right hand strapped.
Alam though was optimistic about the skipper taking the field.
"Fortunately it is a hairline facture. Players bat or bowl with an injury of this nature. But we will take the final call on eve of the match," he said.
