Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has made serious claims about being repeatedly blocked from returning to domestic and international cricket, blaming higher-ups in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his exclusion.
In a recent interview, Umar Akmal revealed that he had approached former team manager Wahab Riaz about his desire to make a comeback for Pakistan. Akmal expressed frustration, saying, “I keep saying that I want to play, but I am being asked if I appeared in trials. Wahab Riaz asked me, ‘Have you played trial matches?’ I told him, ‘What are you talking about? I am available.’”
Umar Akmal, who last played for Pakistan in 2019, said that despite his efforts, he was not given a fair chance. He claimed that instructions from PCB officials and even higher authorities were sent to team management not to include him in playing elevens, both at the domestic and national levels. Akmal said, “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.”
He also mentioned that this pattern continued under different PCB regimes, and that he was not even called for domestic camps or trial matches, despite being fit and available. Akmal said, “I kept telling everyone that I want to play, but I was ignored. Even when I performed well in domestic cricket, I was not considered.”
Umar Akmal further stated that this treatment was not limited to him, but other players also faced similar issues due to internal politics and favoritism. He criticized the current system, saying that personal interests and politics are harming Pakistan cricket and preventing talented players from getting opportunities.
Akmal concluded by saying that he still wants to play for Pakistan and is ready to prove himself if given a fair chance. He urged the PCB to be transparent and fair in its selection process, so that deserving players are not sidelined due to politics or personal biases.
Check out the full interview here: