According to media reports, Umar Akmal, Pakistan’s talented middle-order batsman, has been cautioned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to respond to the criticism on him by some of the former cricketers. The 22-year-old cricketer, who came through
the ranks of junior cricket in the country, made his international debut in 2009 and has been a permanent member of Pakistan’s limited-over side since then. The right-hander is considered by many as one of the most gifted players in the country, who is yet to unleash his real potential at the ultimate stage of the sport.
Akmal was dropped from the playing-11 for the first two matches of the recently-concluded ODI series againstIndia but was given a chance to showcase his skills in the third fixture at Delhi.
The middle-order batsman scored 25 runs off 50 balls with the help of three boundaries but got out at a very crucial time. Umar was heavily criticised by a number of former cricketers, who believe that the right-hander needs to enhance his temperament, if he wishes to be successful in international cricket.
One of Pakistan’s former captains, Rashid Latif, even urged the selectors to drop the talented player. The former wicketkeeper/batsman is of the view that Akmal has to perform better if he wants to retain his place in the Pakistan team.
“Umar has to be sent back to domestic cricket until the selectors see a visible change in his approach and attitude. He has got too many opportunities to realise his talent. But he is not finishing games,” Latif expressed.
While responding to the criticism, Umar expressed that he was playing a responsible innings but got out to a delivery which kept a little low.
“The criticism is unfair because I tried to put my head down and bat responsibly in the match. In fact, in recent matches, I have tried to curb my natural batting style and show more responsibility and spend time at the crease,” Umar said.
The youngster is a centrally contracted player and has been asked by the board to refrain from repl
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