Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has made a shocking revelation, claiming that his younger brother Umar Akmal was blackmailed into wicketkeeping to secure his place in the national team. Speaking on a TV program, Kamran stated that Umar was told he wouldn’t be part of the team unless he agreed to take on wicketkeeping duties.
“Two Brothers Should Not Be in the Same Team” – A Controversial Decision
Kamran further alleged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management had an issue with both brothers playing in the same team. “There was a perception that two brothers should not be in the national squad together, but we performed and proved ourselves,” Kamran stated. He claimed that one of them was removed from the team, while the other was forced into wicketkeeping against his will.
Umar Akmal Was Forced to Keep Wickets in Tests
Kamran also highlighted that Umar Akmal was repeatedly asked to wicketkeep in Test matches despite his reluctance. “Umar refused several times, but he was still sidelined when he declined to take the gloves. Eventually, he was forced into wicketkeeping duties,” Kamran revealed.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Selection in 2015 World Cup Was Opposed
In another major claim, Kamran Akmal alleged that Pakistan’s management initially did not want to include Sarfaraz Ahmed in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup squad. He stated that deliberate issues were created to keep Sarfaraz out of the tournament, but eventually, he made it into the squad.
These revelations have once again sparked debate about Pakistan’s selection policies and how certain players were treated unfairly. The claims by Kamran Akmal have raised concerns about favoritism and internal politics within Pakistan cricket.
