Umar Akmal is yet again in the news for controversial reasons. The former Pakistan batter has accused legendary cricketer Waqar Younis of ill-treating him during his stint as Pakistan's head coach. Not only that, but Akmal has also slammed the former Pakistan coach for mentally disturbing his game which hindered him in losing his place in the national team. The former Pakistan batter said that Waqar out-rightly discouraged his natural, aggressive batting style within the Test cricket format.
Akmal stated that Waqar always used to give suggestions to temper his ultra-positive approach style of batting in Test and ODIs, and instead said to focus on playing defensive and watchful cricket. Akmal, a naturally attacking player never quite lived up to the expectations that Pakistan had of him, and could only play 16 Test matches 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is.
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“When I played attacking shots, I was told, ‘Have you started playing T20 cricket in Tests?’ And when I rotated the strike, they said, ‘Are you playing an ODI in Test cricket?’ Now, look at today’s Test cricket—it doesn’t even last three or four days,” Umar Akmal said on the local TV channel GTV Sports.
Umar Akmal blames Waqar Younis for spoiling his Pakistan career
Umar also went on to say that the former Pakistan coach had some personal issues with him and his brothers Adnan Akmal, and Kamran Akmal. Umar further added that Waqar openly questioned the presence of three brothers in the Pakistani team, stating there is politics and bias in them playing on the same team.
“I heard it with my own ears. Waqar Younis said, ‘Will all the cricket be played by these brothers?’ What kind of statement is that from a head coach?” he added.
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Not only this, but Akmal also said that Waqar had a massive problem with him sporting glasses and wearing fancy shoes. Akmal did not like the former pacer interfering in his personal life.
“He would ask me, ‘Why are you wearing these glasses? Why these shoes?’ Instead of focusing on my cricket, he was more interested in such things,” Akmal further stated.
Akmal last played for Pakistan in 2019 against Sri Lanka. Throughout his career in the national team, Akmal was never given a consistent run as he was in and out of the team.
