Umar Akmal makes explosive claims about Pakistan cricket system, reveals struggles behind comeback bid

Former Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has opened up about his prolonged absence from competitive cricket, claiming that doors have repeatedly been closed on him at both domestic and franchise level despite his continued desire to represent Pakistan.

In an extensive interview with Sports 21, Akmal spoke candidly about his career, his relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board, fitness concerns, his exclusion from the PSL, former coaches and captains, and several incidents from his international career.

Akmal insisted that he has not given up on cricket and believes a return is still possible.

“I have a lot of hope. I am working hard. Allah will never let my hard work go to waste,” Akmal said, expressing confidence that fans will see him back on the cricket field.

‘If you don’t want me, tell me directly’

One of Akmal’s strongest claims came when he discussed his absence from domestic cricket and the PSL.

He alleged that while hundreds of players were registered for the PSL, his name was missing from the list. He said his wife was the one who first noticed that he had not been included.

Akmal also claimed that departments were allegedly being discouraged from selecting him.

“If you don’t want me, please tell me your name. I will meet them personally,” Akmal said, adding that he would even apologise if he had offended someone.

The batter maintained that playing cricket remains his passion and asked those in authority not to take that opportunity away from him.

Claims PSL franchises contacted him

Akmal revealed that several PSL franchises and their representatives had contacted him before the previous season, but he ultimately did not appear in the tournament.

According to Akmal, Hyderabad Kingsmen were among those who showed interest in him.

He questioned why he was not even included among the registered players when more than 800 cricketers were reportedly part of the pool.

Akmal argued that remaining outside the PSL could also affect his chances of playing in international leagues because players need regular competitive cricket to remain visible.

‘Give me an opportunity in domestic cricket’

Rather than immediately demanding a place in Pakistan’s national side, Akmal repeatedly stressed that he wants the opportunity to prove himself first. He said the PCB should allow him to play domestic cricket and judge him on his performances.

“Keep PSL aside. It is the franchise’s own will. The domestic of Pakistan, give me an opportunity in that,” Akmal said.

He argued that if he performs in domestic cricket, his case should naturally be considered on merit.

Fitness remains a major point of contention

Akmal also challenged the criticism surrounding his fitness.

He maintained that fitness should ultimately be judged on the field and claimed that players around the world continue to train individually even when they are not part of national teams.

According to Akmal, he has continued working on his fitness and believes that a player should be given an opportunity to demonstrate his physical condition through actual cricket.

He questioned whether a short delay or an issue during a fitness assessment should be enough to determine the entire course of a player’s career.

Rejects accusations about attitude

The former Pakistan batter also addressed the long-standing criticism that his attitude has been a problem. Akmal said he has repeatedly heard allegations that he is emotional, aggressive, does not respect seniors or juniors and has created problems within the team.

He challenged those making such accusations to identify themselves publicly.

Akmal also rejected criticism over his social media activity, questioning what was wrong with him making TikTok videos as long as he was not producing inappropriate content.

Umar Akmal speaks about Inzamam-ul-Haq

Akmal also discussed former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

He recalled contacting Inzamam during a difficult period in his career and said he was a big admirer of Inzamam’s batting.

Akmal claimed that he repeatedly asked Inzamam what was happening with his situation but felt that the decisions regarding his selection were beyond Inzamam’s control at the time.

He also referred to an earlier statement from Inzamam regarding Akmal’s fitness and the events surrounding his career.

Despite the criticism, Akmal made it clear that he still respects Inzamam and considers himself a fan of his cricket.

Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mickey Arthur also discussed

Akmal gave considerable insight into his relationship with former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and the role of former head coach Mickey Arthur. He claimed that Sarfaraz had told him at one point that decisions regarding his selection were ultimately in Mickey Arthur’s hands.

Akmal questioned why senior players and captains could not have greater influence over such decisions. He also argued that captains have historically possessed significant influence over team selection and questioned why his situation was different.

At the same time, Akmal acknowledged Sarfaraz’s qualities and described him as a good person with whom he had played for Pakistan.

Champions Trophy 2017 controversy

The conversation also touched on the period surrounding Pakistan’s famous Champions Trophy triumph in 2017. Akmal recalled the atmosphere within the team and claimed that there had been concerns about his own ability to take Sarfaraz’s place because of his batting talent and wicketkeeping ability.

He suggested that his versatility had made him a potential competitor for places within the side.

Akmal also stressed that he was delighted when Pakistan won the Champions Trophy, regardless of his own circumstances.

Umar recalls supporting Sarfaraz

Akmal revealed an interesting episode involving Sarfaraz during an earlier period of their careers. He said that while Pakistan were touring South Africa and later preparing for matches in Dubai, he had discussions about Sarfaraz’s role in the side.

Akmal recalled being asked to keep wickets but said he preferred Sarfaraz to continue in that role. He argued that Sarfaraz had already been performing the wicketkeeping duties for several tours and should be supported.

The comments offer a different perspective on Akmal’s relationship with Sarfaraz, particularly given the tensions that later emerged around selection.

‘I never complained about batting lower’

Akmal also rejected claims that he repeatedly complained about being asked to bat down the order. He said that throughout his career he had accepted batting at positions as low as No. 7 or No. 8 if it was considered beneficial for Pakistan. According to Akmal, his priority was always the team’s success rather than his individual batting position.

He insisted that even if he scored only a few runs, he was prepared to accept a lower position if it helped Pakistan win.

Emotional recollection of World Cup match against Australia

One of the most detailed parts of the interview involved Akmal’s recollection of a World Cup match against Australia in which he played despite an injury. Akmal said he was suffering from a hamstring injury and that there were discussions about sending him back and calling for a replacement.

He recalled speaking with the coaching staff and asking for time to recover rather than immediately being ruled out.

According to Akmal, he eventually underwent a fitness assessment and convinced the management that he was capable of playing.

He said he was prepared to complete a demanding fielding test before being allowed to participate. Akmal credited team officials and manager Mohin Khan for supporting him during the situation.

He ultimately went on to become man of the match, describing the episode as one of the moments when he felt his determination had been vindicated.

Relationship with former Pakistan stars

Akmal also spoke about several senior cricketers who influenced his career, including Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq. He said many of these senior players supported younger cricketers and helped them develop.

Akmal particularly recalled how senior players would sometimes criticise younger players after poor performances but later take them out for meals and maintain a family-like atmosphere within the squad.

He described those relationships as an important part of his development as a cricketer.

Umar refuses to give up

Despite everything, Akmal’s central message remained clear: he does not believe his cricket career is over. He pointed to players around the world who have returned at advanced ages and argued that age alone should not determine whether a player deserves another opportunity.

Rather than asking for an automatic place in Pakistan’s XI, Akmal repeatedly challenged the authorities to give him a chance in domestic cricket.

His message was simple — let him play, judge his fitness and performances, and then make a decision. With his fans continuing to call for his return, Umar Akmal says he is still working towards a comeback and believes the day he returns to competitive cricket is not far away.