"Management is ignoring me without any reason": Umar Akmal's plea to Ramiz Raja

[MenInG]

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Umar Akmal has requested the chief of the country's apex cricket board to meet him. In a recent interaction with media, Akmal revealed that he wants to play cricket but the team management is ignoring him without any reason. He added that he wanted to discuss "a few things" with PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. It is worth noting that Akmal was banned by PCB from all cricket activities in 2020 but his ban sentence was later reduced to see him resume playing competitive cricket in 2021.

"Ramiz bhai! I want to meet you, I want to play cricket and I want to discuss a few things with you. Management is ignoring me without any reason," Akmal said on ARY News as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Umar Akmal was banned by PCB for not reporting approaches made to him for spot-fixing in the Pakistan Super League. However, he regretted his action and that saw the PCB giving him a chance to resume playing club cricket.

"Umar Akmal has been allowed to resume club cricket activities as part of his rehabilitation process, which commenced last month. In the processes completed to date, Umar has shown remorse, attended an anti-corruption lecture and participated in a Q&A session conducted by the Security and Anti-Corruption Department," PCB had said in an official release in August last year.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/man...ea-to-pakistan-board-chief-ramiz-raja-3537143

 

[the Great Khan]

Abay yaar when will this toxic bewaqoof go away..someone needs to tell him his time is over..

 

[Rana]

There is no way in hell that he isn’t better than Khushdil, Haider and Asif Ali at least even in his worst phase as a cricketer

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

May be Umar Akmal isn't aware of this video?

 

[Bewal Express]

He should retire and keep his dignity. What a waste

 

[gazza619]

Wicketkeeper batter, really?

 

[Maher96]

This guy, perform in PSL and you will be back in the team.

But looking at his current state you can clearly see the demise there, too much money at a very young age finished him.

I saw a clip of him on Inzi daughter wedding, for a youngster he was easily the most hideous dressed person at the event!

I was feeling second hand embarrassment.

 

[MenInG]

Stick to cricket only.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Only if he had some brain. He would have our best death over batter and would have been in a same league of David miller, SKY, buttler..

 

[SamNJ]

He really thinks very highly of himself. PCB being angry with him is not the only reason he is out of the team.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Umar Akmal has been a nobody in Pakistan cricket for the past 4-5 years now. PCB chairman does not meet a nobody. Start would be to become somebody to warrant PCB chairman attention. Let's see if he can deliver in domestic or PSL games.

 

[marzupian]

"Without any reason"

Ohhhh, Umar. Oh my precious jaanu. 10 years and you still haven't learnt not to carry out a victim mentality?

Beating a dead horse this guy, and beating a dead horse even saying that he's always playing victim. But he is. He's had umpteen access to facilities, coaches, fitness trainers, life coaches, therapists, nutritionists, leagues around the world to make a mark in for comeback... literally everything

But just like a typical Pakistani, he doesn't want to come out of his comfort zone. Once the victim mentality and on-off with the team started, it seems like he's been mentally, physically, and emotionally stuck in the same spot for at least 7 years now

Even if he was given a chance and performed immensely well there would be no point for the future and the chemistry, health of this team. This guy is mentally and emotionally stuck in 2015, if not 2013. It's painful even acknowledging his existence because his growth as a person first and cricketer second has been so limited. And no amount of talent in the world can make up for that aged 32

 

[PakEngFan]

The reason they are ignoring is the fact that you are one of the worst player in the 2nd 11. He has no shame at all. I request pcb to bring 5th 11 team so under akmal can have a chance to play.

 

[gazza619]

He really thinks very highly of himself. PCB being angry with him is not the only reason he is out of the team.

Exactly the problem here.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Isn't he averaging under 10 in QEA 2nd XI?

 

[PakEngFan]

Isn't he averaging under 10 in QEA 2nd XI?

That’s not too bad for a no 11. Oh wait he’s a batsmen.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

c’mon Rambo…we need a bandana UKmal V2 ending some bowlers careers…

 

[Major]

Umar akmal in the news again. Guy really comes across immature


Anyways, needs to shut up and top quaid e azam trophy atleast 3 times to be even in the radar.

Iftikhar is in the team because of his performance and selectors cant ignore him

 

[Rana]

There is no way he should be playing 2nd XI in the first place

His crime wasn’t as bad as Sharjeel’s but Sharjeel is playing 1s and he is still the king of domestic T20 opening

Mr 5 domestic centuries!

 

[ElRaja]

such a shame journos are so desperate for a story theres tonnes whod happily publish his story without even asking him to comment on his own lack of returns.

 

[Rana]

such a shame journos are so desperate for a story theres tonnes whod happily publish his story without even asking him to comment on his own lack of returns.

News is money

It’s business

 

[Usman Chadda]

Blame the shameless media who is hell bent on making a mockery of his finished cricketing career.

Someone who failed to perform at the 2nd XI level, has no right to have this kind of victim mentality.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Ugh someone tell these Akmals to go away permanently.

Dude is playing cricket in 2nd XI during QeA and has been absolute rubbish. Just shut up and play better. If you warrant being worth of playing for first XI or better, then actually prove it with your numbers.

 

[Zaz]

What does he want? That on the basis of his name he comes straight into the first x1 teams and psl?

How making some runs at the lower levels and progressing up on merit like it shoud be

This guy will never learn or grow up

 

[Bewal Express]

In any other country he would be toast but this is PK and people are still calling for match fixers like Sharjeel and Amir to be recalled and never has beens like Malik still to be playing, so with that in mind, his career isnt over and you never know.

 

[Saurav]

Sad nothing much came out of so much talent.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Players from other countries leave subtle notes on social media. Shamsi for example about not getting the backing . Prithvi shaw on his omission (later he took it out). But Pakistan players are not really subtle about their omissions. aren't they? Do they think it will really help or hurt? Making their voice heard.

 

[zarak]

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Umar Akmal has requested the chief of the country's apex cricket board to meet him. In a recent interaction with media, Akmal revealed that he wants to play cricket but the team management is ignoring him without any reason. He added that he wanted to discuss "a few things" with PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. It is worth noting that Akmal was banned by PCB from all cricket activities in 2020 but his ban sentence was later reduced to see him resume playing competitive cricket in 2021.

"Ramiz bhai! I want to meet you, I want to play cricket and I want to discuss a few things with you. Management is ignoring me without any reason," Akmal said on ARY News as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Umar Akmal was banned by PCB for not reporting approaches made to him for spot-fixing in the Pakistan Super League. However, he regretted his action and that saw the PCB giving him a chance to resume playing club cricket.

"Umar Akmal has been allowed to resume club cricket activities as part of his rehabilitation process, which commenced last month. In the processes completed to date, Umar has shown remorse, attended an anti-corruption lecture and participated in a Q&A session conducted by the Security and Anti-Corruption Department," PCB had said in an official release in August last year.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/man...ea-to-pakistan-board-chief-ramiz-raja-3537143

last 13 innings in 2nd 11. What an entitled man.

19
55
4
30
24
5
0
30
0
1
24
30
0

 

[sweep_shot]

Seems like Umar Akmal still dreams of a comeback.

To be honest, he is 32 (official age). He can probably still make a comeback.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

He is same age as SKY.
He deserves a second chance.

 

[superman]

Biggest waste of natural ability in recent times. If Shan Masood (with his work ethic) had Umars natural ability would be in Top 10 batsman in international cricket. But UA is a fat mental bomb which could explode at any minute

 

[Suleiman]

He is same age as SKY.
He deserves a second chance.

Age is the only similarity between them now.

Umar Akmal of 2009 looked on track to being like Kohli. Talent alone isn’t everything.

 

[gazza619]

last 13 innings in 2nd 11. What an entitled man.

19
55
4
30
24
5
0
30
0
1
24
30
0

Thanks for sharing. Very shameful man.

 

[James]

I am always interested when players think they are owed an explanation as to why they have not been picked. For selectors, this is not their job.

 

[moghul]

Give some outstanding performance then talk , Mr Akmal.

 

[LegendAli]

What does he want? That on the basis of his name he comes straight into the first x1 teams and psl?

How making some runs at the lower levels and progressing up on merit like it shoud be

This guy will never learn or grow up

You say that as if the name Umar Akmal is somewhat relevant to begin with.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Pak cricket fans - “go away Umar, we don’t need you”.


Pakistan’s current middle order for T20i’s


Shan Masood
Ifthikar Ahmed
Haidar Ali
Khushdil Shah

I’ll just leave it at that.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Pak cricket fans - “go away Umar, we don’t need you”.


Pakistan’s current middle order for T20i’s


Shan Masood
Ifthikar Ahmed
Haidar Ali
Khushdil Shah

I’ll just leave it at that.

Umar Akmal fans - Come back Umar we need you.

Umar Akmal - Scores 5 runs in second XI, then makes a tiktok staring weirdly at the camera.

 

[Rana]

Pak cricket fans - “go away Umar, we don’t need you”.


Pakistan’s current middle order for T20i’s


Shan Masood
Ifthikar Ahmed
Haidar Ali
Khushdil Shah

I’ll just leave it at that.

Add the openers in that list too. They are middle order (failed) batsmen pretending to be openers

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Umar Akmal fans - Come back Umar we need you.

Umar Akmal - Scores 5 runs in second XI, then makes a tiktok staring weirdly at the camera.

Give me one player that’s debuted after Umar Akmal and has done what he’s done at the International level (in the middle order)

 

[Rana]

I am always interested when players think they are owed an explanation as to why they have not been picked. For selectors, this is not their job.

He has a valid concern for being relegated into 2nd XI cricket

Considering the rubbish we have in the national side, the man has no business being relegated into 2nd XI cricket with no way back up

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Add the openers in that list too. They are middle order (failed) batsmen pretending to be openers

The openers are like sacred cows, we can’t talk about em

 

[Rana]

Give me one player that’s debuted after Umar Akmal and has done what he’s done at the International level.

None. They won’t admit that though

Jaan booj ke aankho per patti bandhe ghe….and then they will lecture you on morals and honesty etc

 

[Rana]

The openers are like sacred cows, we can’t talk about em

Not for me and for the God who I believe in, who knows I speak the truth.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

None. They won’t admit that though

Jaan booj ke aankho per patti bandhe ghe….and then they will lecture you on morals and honesty etc

I’ve asked the question before, and I failed to get a response…looks like it’ll be another W for Umar Akmal.

 

[Ashmal]

If Umar Akmal had dominated 2nd X1 run scoring charts, he'd have had a case.

Upcoming PSL is his best chance.

 

[Rana]

If Umar Akmal had dominated 2nd X1 run scoring charts, he'd have had a case.

Upcoming PSL is his best chance.

Ah yes, the same old scorecard cricket fans

Shan Masood dominates T20 cricket as well

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Give me one player that’s debuted after Umar Akmal and has done what he’s done at the International level (in the middle order)

He really did burst onto the scene.

But now his trousers are bursting at the seams.

Time to move on brother. Look into his eyes, he's not all there. Sure the tuk tuk brigade are hopeless at times, but we need to look elsewhere for the answers now.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

He really did burst onto the scene.

But now his trousers are bursting at the seams.

Time to move on brother. Look into his eyes, he's not all there. Sure the tuk tuk brigade are hopeless at times, but we need to look elsewhere for the answers now.

Time to move on? He’s 32…Hafeez V2 peaked in his late 30’s. Ifthikar is in his 40’s and he’s the best middle order we have atm.

All it takes is one good season in the PSL and he’ll easily find a spot in the middle order.

 

[PakEngFan]

Give me one player that’s debuted after Umar Akmal and has done what he’s done at the International level (in the middle order)

Give me one player who was given endless opportunities like him.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Time to move on? He’s 32…Hafeez V2 peaked in his late 30’s. Ifthikar is in his 40’s and he’s the best middle order we have atm.

All it takes is one good season in the PSL and he’ll easily find a spot in the middle order.

Well if he has a good PSL then he can make the comments about being ignored.

But while he he is overweight, slightly deranged and unable to hit against second XI bowlers then he is rightly ignored.

 

[Rana]

Give me one player who was given endless opportunities like him.

Mohammad Rizwan

Iftikhar Ahmed

Khushdil Shah

Haider Ali

Asif Ali

 

[PakEngFan]

Mohammad Rizwan

Iftikhar Ahmed

Khushdil Shah

Haider Ali

Asif Ali

Now compare them with umer akmal you will get your answer. Btw anyone on the street is better then Asif Ali so I will let that pass. Asif Ali is probably the worst cricketer playing cricket at the moment.

 

[Ashmal]

Ah yes, the same old scorecard cricket fans

Shan Masood dominates T20 cricket as well

Actually it says more about Akmal's game if limited players like Shan continue to outperform him even in T20s.

A guy struggling to score even in 2nd X1 games has no right to complain about anything.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Give me one player that’s debuted after Umar Akmal and has done what he’s done at the International level (in the middle order)

Let’s get Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq back in the squad too, since we are going on past performances only.

Umar Akmal should not have fans, it’s one of the few things that’s bringing him down. Rather than working hard on his batting and fitness, all he is doing is crying here and there about not getting selected

 

[Pakpak]

Has anyone seen his TikToks?

After seeing them I question his mental well-being as he needs mental help, this is no joking at all.

He comes across as a completely bizarre person in the videos.

 

[Forum363]

Time to move on? He’s 32…Hafeez V2 peaked in his late 30’s. Ifthikar is in his 40’s and he’s the best middle order we have atm.

All it takes is one good season in the PSL and he’ll easily find a spot in the middle order.

If Umar had the mentality of Iftikhar or Hafeez he would already be in our side and one of the best players in the world.

But he is beyond brainless, unfit and has a terrible attitude due to the influence of his twisted older brother. Kami ruined him and his career.

He can never make a comeback because he will always fail with his temperament.

 

[Rana]

Actually it says more about Akmal's game if limited players like Shan continue to outperform him even in T20s.

A guy struggling to score even in 2nd X1 games has no right to complain about anything.

Why is he in 2nd XI in the first place?

 

[Zaz]

Why is he in 2nd XI in the first place?

Because hes finished thats why

As his results suggest

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

Lol the ‘without any reason’ just takes the cake.

 

[shamaan]

Why is he in 2nd XI in the first place?

Why shouldn't he be ?

 

[Rana]

Why shouldn't he be ?

Because he is better than Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah and Shan Masood even now lol

 

[Hextro]

Because he is better than Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah and Shan Masood even now lol

What evidence do you have to prove your claim? Currently Umar is competing with captain Asif when it comes to being the worst batsman to have played more than 50 T20I matches.

 

[Major]

Because he is better than Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah and Shan Masood even now lol

Than why has he failed to even score a single hundred in this years 2nd 11 competition if he is really that good?

Out of 9 innings, he has one 50. And this is not even first class, but second 11.

 

[Zaz]

Because he is better than Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah and Shan Masood even now lol

How many runs has he scored lately?

He aint going to get selected on your opinion but runs and hes not making any even in 2nd x1 cricket

 

[Suleiman]

Tbf should’ve been tried as an opener. Misbah was too close minded to try it, even though back in 2012-2015 our openers were very unstable except for a brief purple patch of Hafeez + Jamshed.

Look at what Dhoni promoting Rohit from middle order to opener did for his career.

Give him 3-4 chances as t20 opener. Who knows. Cricket is an interesting game. Anything can happen in t20s.

 

[Shariq7]

May be Umar Akmal isn't aware of this video?

Maybe he was dazzled by Rameez's shirt color and turned the video off. I don't actually blame him.

 

[Major]

Tbf should’ve been tried as an opener. Misbah was too close minded to try it, even though back in 2012-2015 our openers were very unstable except for a brief purple patch of Hafeez + Jamshed.

Look at what Dhoni promoting Rohit from middle order to opener did for his career.

Give him 3-4 chances as t20 opener. Who knows. Cricket is an interesting game. Anything can happen in t20s.

) opener/ You clearly dont understand cricket.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Because he is better than Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah and Shan Masood even now lol

Not fond of Khushdil, but even he has dominated the same domestic circuit where Umar Akmal struggles to score any kind of runs.

 

[Rana]

What evidence do you have to prove your claim? Currently Umar is competing with captain Asif when it comes to being the worst batsman to have played more than 50 T20I matches.

Than why has he failed to even score a single hundred in this years 2nd 11 competition if he is really that good?

Out of 9 innings, he has one 50. And this is not even first class, but second 11.

How many runs has he scored lately?

He aint going to get selected on your opinion but runs and hes not making any even in 2nd x1 cricket

To those who I am tired of proving wrong again and again….

Just like I was vindicated in my fight of proving Rizwan and Babar are not T20 openers..

Just like I was right, the first one here to claim Suryakumar is the best T20i batsman in the world…

Just like I was correct about Mumbai Indian’s howler at preferring Brevis over David in their campaign last season

Just like I was correct about Kolkata Knightriders making a disastrous investment in Pat Cummings

And for the many things that I am usually correct about here when it comes to basic cricket understanding…

I say it again that Umar Akmal, even now in his worst form/fitness/mental condition is a far better batsman than Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali and Shan Masood. Aik dafa phir sun lo…rewind it…read it again…and once more

I dont need to pick up any 2nd XI scorecards to try and prove that no this is not the right context. I know what I say with full conviction and responsibility. I can understand why he isn’t in the national side but playing 2nd XI cricket whereas some extremely average cricketers are playing first XI (and national team) cricket is not justice

 

[Rana]

What evidence do you have to prove your claim? Currently Umar is competing with captain Asif when it comes to being the worst batsman to have played more than 50 T20I matches.

Than why has he failed to even score a single hundred in this years 2nd 11 competition if he is really that good?

Out of 9 innings, he has one 50. And this is not even first class, but second 11.

How many runs has he scored lately?

He aint going to get selected on your opinion but runs and hes not making any even in 2nd x1 cricket

Not fond of Khushdil, but even he has dominated the same domestic circuit where Umar Akmal struggles to score any kind of runs.

He may have

Give Umar and Khushdil a Pakistan shirt right now and a place in the starting XI against Australia for example

Who’s more likely to score runs and that too at the right pace?

 

[Major]

To those who I am tired of proving wrong again and again….

Just like I was vindicated in my fight of proving Rizwan and Babar are not T20 openers..

Just like I was right, the first one here to claim Suryakumar is the best T20i batsman in the world…

Just like I was correct about Mumbai Indian’s howler at preferring Brevis over David in their campaign last season

Just like I was correct about Kolkata Knightriders making a disastrous investment in Pat Cummings

And for the many things that I am usually correct about here when it comes to basic cricket understanding…

I say it again that Umar Akmal, even now in his worst form/fitness/mental condition is a far better batsman than Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali and Shan Masood. Aik dafa phir sun lo…rewind it…read it again…and once more

I dont need to pick up any 2nd XI scorecards to try and prove that no this is not the right context. I know what I say with full conviction and responsibility. I can understand why he isn’t in the national side but playing 2nd XI cricket whereas some extremely average cricketers are playing first XI (and national team) cricket is not justice

plz use logic in your argument.

Second 11 is the lowest form of cricket, if you cant perform at that level, than how can you perform at international level?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

As I once said about Sharjeel Khan, lets accept the premise that Pakistani coaches and sides are biased against Umar Akmal.

They deliberately treat him poorly and have all conspired to sabotage his great career.

Lets accept it for arguments sake.

Let's also accept the argument that foreign coaches/teams/scouts have the best availability of data and understand the modern T20 game better than our timid and tuk tuk coaches.

Why then has no overseas franchise ever taken a punt on Akmal?

He has enough experience in BPL, CPL and T20 blast for someone to take a punt. Why don't former coaches take him?

Shan Masood, Zafar Gohar and even Sajad Khan got call ups for random countries.

The sad fact about Umar is that once he works with people once they realise he is mentally ill and physically unfit and don't select him again. He wasn't selected for the CPL after he induced seizures through not sleeping properly and he flopped in America too.

The biggest injustice that happened to Umar was not from the PCB, it was from his family who should have nipped his behaviour in the bud when he was younger instead of indulging him for so long.

 

[Rana]

plz use logic in your argument.

Second 11 is the lowest form of cricket, if you cant perform at that level, than how can you perform at international level?

Logic for what?

How is it logical to claim Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood and Asif Ali are better T20i batsmen than UA?

 

[Titan24]

He has crossed 50 in just one innings out of 13 he has played at 2nd xi level in T20 and 4 day format.

A talent who wasted himself but, even if he is eying a spot even in the first XI then he has to perform rather than going to Ramiz.

 

[volcyz]

Logic for what?

How is it logical to claim Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood and Asif Ali are better T20i batsmen than UA?

Yea as if Umar is half the batsman he was 10 yrs ago

 

[Rana]

He has crossed 50 in just one innings out of 13 he has played at 2nd xi level in T20 and 4 day format.

A talent who wasted himself but, even if he is eying a spot even in the first XI then he has to perform rather than going to Ramiz.

On what basis is he even in the 2nd XI??

Everyone knows he is too good for that standard. You can dislike the guy but you can’t dislike his skill and ability. Yes he has no business warranting a sport in the national side atm but looking at the garbage this new systems and management has churned out, there is no way he isn’t good enough for 1st team cricket. The same UA is capable of scoring a 50 ball hundred in 1s even if he has scored 100 runs in 80 balls struggling in 2s cricket

 

[Rana]

Yea as if Umar is half the batsman he was 10 yrs ago

Umar for what he is right now is still better than those boys I mentioned

 

[Titan24]

On what basis is he even in the 2nd XI??

Everyone knows he is too good for that standard. You can dislike the guy but you can’t dislike his skill and ability. Yes he has no business warranting a sport in the national side atm but looking at the garbage this new systems and management has churned out, there is no way he isn’t good enough for 1st team cricket. The same UA is capable of scoring a 50 ball hundred in 1s even if he has scored 100 runs in 80 balls struggling in 2s cricket

He surely was capable but, is he still currently after his ban is the question. Currently he seems to be struggling, even in PSL he averaged 20 with 1 50 in 5 matches.

When he used to be in his 20s, I did say that considering his talent maybe its worth trying him in different numbers (As an opener maybe in LOIs to see if he can click and maybe boost Pak's batting) however, his issues were much beyond his cricketing struggles and that costed him major part of his career. Wasnt handled ideally but, he himself put the final nails in is career during that period.

This debate that how good he is will have to be settled by him scoring. If he is promoted to first xi despite his struggles then that would be a wrong precedent. He is already part of QG, if he can perform in PSL he can redeem atleast his domestic career and then who knows.

 

[Local.Dada]

He looked like a young Sachin the way he handled Bond and I believe Mitchell Johnson in his first couple of series. In a few months time he looked like a tailender. One of the most rapid spiral of a talent I have seen in world cricket. Someone like Kambli had a longer run at the top.

From Sachin to Kambli in a flash would be the best way to describe his career.