Pakistani middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has made a surprising revelation, stating that former national team captain Babar Azam sought his advice on tackling spinners. In an interview with a private TV channel, Akmal claimed that Babar personally called him to discuss his struggles against spin bowling.
The Advice Umar Akmal Gave to Babar
According to Umar Akmal, Babar expressed concerns over frequently losing his wicket to spinners, particularly when playing shots towards mid-wicket. During their phone conversation, Babar reportedly said, “Umar Bhai, I am facing some difficulties against spinners.”
In response, Umar advised Babar to closely watch the ball until it reaches him, ensuring he makes the right shot selection at the proper moment. He emphasized that maintaining focus on the ball’s trajectory would help in making better decisions against spinners.
Criticism of Babar Azam’s Captaincy
Apart from discussing batting strategies, Umar Akmal also criticized Babar Azam’s five-year captaincy tenure, blaming him for the lack of efforts in building a strong bench strength.
Akmal alleged that during Babar’s leadership, there was no significant attempt to develop backup players for the national team. He believes this oversight has contributed to Pakistan’s inconsistent performances in recent years.
Umar Akmal on His Return to the National Team
Umar Akmal further revealed that despite performing well in domestic cricket, his return to the national squad was ignored. He claimed that he approached senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials for a comeback opportunity and that they even discussed the matter with Babar Azam.
Akmal stated that he personally requested Babar for a fair chance, emphasizing his ability as a strong finisher. However, he feels that his appeal was overlooked, preventing him from making a return to the team.
Final Thoughts
Umar Akmal’s statements have sparked debate among cricket fans, with some questioning his claims while others see them as a reflection of internal team struggles. Whether or not these revelations impact Pakistan cricket’s dynamics remains to be seen, but they have certainly ignited discussions in the cricketing world.