Pakistan’s controversial middle-order batter, Umar Akmal, has once again made headlines this time accusing legendary fast bowler and former head coach Waqar Younis of sabotaging his cricket career.
Umar Akmal Opens Up About His Struggles
In a recent interview, the 35-year-old cricketer claimed that Waqar Younis could not tolerate his success and lifestyle. Umar alleged that personal jealousy, not performance, was the reason behind his exclusion from the national team.
“Waqar Younis didn’t drop me because of poor performance. He couldn’t stand that a young player was driving a new car and wearing good clothes,” Akmal said.
He added that it was Allah’s blessing that he could afford such luxuries, and there was nothing wrong with fulfilling his and his family’s wishes. “When God gives you wealth, why shouldn’t you spend it on yourself and your loved ones?” he asked.
“It Was Never About Performance”
Umar Akmal further claimed that his performance had always been strong, and he had support from fellow players.
“Ask any player who played with me even Rana Naved-ul-Hasan will say the same. I was never out of form, yet I was sidelined for reasons unrelated to cricket,” he stated.
According to him, he had worked hard to earn his place in the team but was unfairly treated by management decisions that he believes were personal in nature.
“Respect as a Senior, Not as a Coach”
While acknowledging Waqar Younis’s achievements as a player, Umar Akmal made it clear that his respect does not extend to Waqar’s coaching role.
“I respect him as a senior cricketer, but not as a coach,” Umar asserted. “During the 2016 T20 World Cup, he prepared reports and files for the PCB recommending that I should be dropped, saying the team would perform better without me.”
This statement reignites old tensions between the two, as their conflict during Waqar’s coaching tenure was widely reported at the time.
“Pakistan Remains My First Priority”
Despite his setbacks and controversies, Umar Akmal said that he still dreams of representing Pakistan again. He revealed that he had turned down several lucrative league offers in favor of keeping himself available for national selection.
“I have rejected many league offers that others would never refuse. My first priority will always be to play for Pakistan,” he emphasized.
Background: A Career of Highs and Lows
Umar Akmal made his international debut in 2009 and was once considered one of Pakistan’s brightest batting talents. However, his career has been marred by disciplinary issues, inconsistent performances, and repeated clashes with team management.
Although he has made occasional comebacks in domestic cricket and franchise leagues, Umar’s international future remains uncertain.
Conclusion
Umar Akmal’s explosive remarks have once again stirred debate in the Pakistani cricketing community. Whether his claims against Waqar Younis hold merit or not, one thing is clear the rift between the two former teammates continues to cast a long shadow over one of Pakistan’s most talked-about cricket careers.