‘There is a lesson for all players’ – Former Pakistan skipper attacks Umar Akmal after his performance against Islamabad United in Pakistan Super League

Islamabad United defeated Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Quetta Gladiators on Sunday, winning the thrilling final over to guarantee their spot in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 playoffs. In game 21 of the PSL 2023, Islamabad United batted first and scored a formidable total at the Pindi Club Stadium, thanks to Sarfaraz and company.

Umar Akmal, a veteran batter, contributed a brilliant knock that enabled Quetta Gladiators to score 179-6 in 20 overs. In the high-scoring match, middle-order batter Akmal played a crucial knock of 43 off just 14 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz (52) and Najibullah Zadran (59) both hammered half-centuries. Akmal had a fun outing against Islamabad United while batting with a strike rate of 307.14.

There have been fitness issues with him, but there is a discipline problem as well: Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja made the bold statement that Akmal is the greatest match-winner in Pakistan cricket when discussing the star batter’s the amazing performance in the PSL 2023. Raja, though, also highlighted his disciplinary problems during his international career.

“Umar Akmal’s story is a literal definition of great talent but wasted talent, unfortunately. However, there is a lesson for all the players, if you are not disciplined and if you cannot zip your mouth while playing, then there is a larger probability that you will be at the receiving end of injustice- quite an unfortunate scenario. He was one of my favourite players when he started cricket, and we all saw a glimpse today of how much talent he carries. He destroyed Islamabad United’s finest bowling attack,” Raja was quoted as saying by CricketPakistan.

“I am not sure what the future holds for him – will he be able to become an asset for us or not, but in today’s date, there is no bigger match-winner than Umar Akmal in Pakistan – playing at 6 or 7. There have been fitness issues with him, but there is a discipline problem as well. You are supposed to play cricket with blinkers on; once you quit playing cricket, you are free to give any kind of opinion. He needs to control his quarreling attitude,” former PCB chairman added.