Umar Akmal levels shocking accusations against Waqar Younis as Pakistan Cricket drama intensifies
Published - 20 Mar 2025, 06:47 PM | Updated - 20 Mar 2025, 06:54 PM
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Umar Akmal has once again sparked the controversy by targeting former Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis. Umar Akmal continued his streak of criticism against his former Pakistani teammates and coaches, and Waqar Younis was his latest target.
The out-of-favor Pakistani cricketer has now accused Waqar of mistreating him and mentally pressuring him during his tenure as the head coach. Akmal claimed that Waqar discouraged his natural attacking style in Test cricket, and he could not make it big in the format.
Umar Akmal blames Waqar Younis for ruining his career
The wicketkeeper-batter said that the former Pakistan head coach repeatedly insisted that his aggressive approach was not suitable for Test cricket, and he was saying similar things during the ODIs, and it ultimately affected his confidence and performance.
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Speaking on the local TV channel GTV Sports, Umar Akmal said, “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.”
Akmal has further accused Waqar of having issues with his brothers Kamran Akmal and Adnan Akmal. He claimed that the legendary fast bowler had openly questioned why all three brothers were part of the Pakistan national cricket team.
Umar Akmal claims Waqar Younis wasn't happy with his brothers' place in Pakistan cricket team
He added, “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?”
Umar further claimed that Waqar focused on his personal choices rather than his game performance. The cricketer further explained, “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.”
He also expressed gratitude to his senior teammates for their support, as they encouraged him to stay focused on his game and ignore negativity. Akmal signed off by saying, “The senior players sat me down and told me to ignore these things and play my natural game. They encouraged me to focus on my strengths rather than listening to negativity.”
Its painful Reality of 90s k Loundy PCT or Talented Players k career k tbahi k zumidar Wasim,Waqar,Shoaib, @SAfridiOfficial Waja sirf jealousy
— 🇵🇸 عليّ (@_Aleeeeey) March 19, 2025
Wasim Akram isi trha behave krta tha Babar sath when he was in karachi kings
Inho ny jutt or khawaja jsy tout rkhy h✅#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/8Cg6ig7625
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Umar Akmal last played for Pakistan in 2019
The 34-year-old last played for Pakistan in October 2019 during a T20I series against Sri Lanka in Lahore. Umar has represented his country in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is. He has around 3400 runs to his name in international cricket across the three formats of the game.
Umar Akmal has recently requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to allow him to return to the national team. Akmal had said that he has only 3-4 years of cricket left, so he wants to utilize this in representing his nation at the highest level.
He has been regularly playing at the domestic level but was not picked for the upcoming Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025). Showing frustration on a local TV show, Akmal urged the PCB chief to meet him and give him the opportunity to sport the national jersey again.
