Umar Akmal Doesn’t Want Son to Follow His Father’s Footsteps

Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has opened up about his reluctance to see his son follow in his footsteps, citing the challenges and injustices he believes his family has faced in the sport. Umar, who was once seen as the future of Pakistan cricket, has been vocal in criticizing Pakistan cricket’s management for their perceived injustices.

In a video making rounds on social media, Umar Akmal was seen training in the nets with his son, who, despite his father’s concerns, dreams of becoming a cricketer. However, the seasoned batter did not hide his reservations about the path his son wishes to take.

“He is my son, and he is very passionate about cricket, but if I share my honest opinion, I don’t want him to play cricket, as you know it is Pakistan,” Akmal stated emotionally.

While discouraging his son from entering the cricketing world, Umar Akmal made a heartfelt request to his fans. He urged them to pray for his son’s success in life, regardless of whether his journey leads to cricket or another profession. “Kindly pray for him to succeed, and if the Pakistan Cricket Board wants, then he can play,” he added.

Umar Akmal comes from one of the most renowned cricketing families in the country. His brothers, Adnan and Kamran Akmal, both represented Pakistan at the international level, while his cousin Babar Azam is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world. Despite the abundance of guidance, Umar Akmal’s reluctance to see his son enter the fray underlines his distrust of the current system.

Umar Akmal, once regarded as one of Pakistan’s most promising batters, has not represented the national team since 2019, when he last played in a home series against Sri Lanka. Over the years, his career has been marred by disciplinary issues and setbacks, which may have influenced his sentiments about his son’s future in cricket.

For now, whether the young Akmal steps into the world of professional cricket remains uncertain, but his father’s words have sparked discussion about the challenges faced by cricketers in Pakistan.