Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has made serious allegations against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming that he was repeatedly blocked from making a comeback to domestic and international cricket due to internal politics, favoritism, and pressure from higher authorities.
In a recent interview, Umar Akmal revealed that he had directly contacted former team manager Wahab Riaz to express his desire to return to the national team. However, instead of being considered for selection, he was allegedly questioned about whether he had appeared in trial matches. “I keep saying that I want to play, but I am being asked if I appeared in trials,” said Akmal. “Wahab Riaz asked me, ‘Have you played trial matches?’ I told him, ‘What are you talking about? I am available.’”
PCB Allegedly Pressured Team Management Against Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal, who last played for Pakistan in 2019, accused top PCB officials of giving instructions to domestic and national team coaches and captains not to include him in playing elevens. “There were direct calls from above, telling coaches and captains not to play me. Even when team management wanted to select me, they were pressured not to,” Akmal stated.
He added that this pattern continued under different PCB leaderships, and he was never invited to domestic camps or trial matches, despite maintaining fitness and showing consistent domestic performance. “I kept telling everyone that I want to play, but I was ignored,” he said. “Even when I performed well in domestic cricket, I was not considered.”
Umar Akmal Criticizes Favoritism and Politics in Pakistan Cricket
The cricketer claimed that he is not the only one facing such discrimination. According to him, many talented players are being sidelined due to favoritism and political influence within the board. “This is not just about me. Many players face the same issue. Personal interests and politics are harming Pakistan cricket,” Umar Akmal remarked.
Umar Akmal Still Hopeful for a Comeback
Despite the challenges, Umar Akmal reiterated his desire to represent Pakistan again. He urged the PCB to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process. “I still want to play for Pakistan. If given a fair chance, I will prove myself. The system needs to be honest so that deserving players get the opportunity,” he concluded.
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