At the moment, Umar Akmal is probably going through the toughest phase of his career. After being dropped from the national squad for lack of discipline, the talented batsman has now vented his fury at the Pakistani media for highlighting the controversies surrounding him as well as other players.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Umar slammed his country’s media outlets for constantly spreading negative news on the Pakistan cricket team. The 26-year old also claimed that people will see a more mature version of him in the coming months.
The right-hander asserted, “I would urge the Pakistani media to support Pakistani cricketers and help us in taking Pakistan cricket forward. The media needs to stop highlighting every little situation and making a big deal out of it.”
He added, “We cricketers have families too and it's not nice for them to see negative stories being brought up and highlighted in the media. Our families struggle to cope with such controversies which our media seem to thrive on. It not only hurts our families but these stories hurt us cricketers and ultimately Pakistan cricket. I need support from the media and if I get that then you will definitely see positive results.”
When asked about the allegations on his deteriorating fitness, Umar revealed, “As professional athletes, we are always working hard on our fitness. Unfortunately, some quarters have insinuated that I am extremely unfit and not ready to play. This is obviously untrue. However, as a professional athlete, I will continue to work hard on my fitness.”
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One of the most enigmatic characters in the Pakistan set-up, Akmal has not quite lived up to his potential yet. After playing some of the most exquisite shots, the right-hander seems to throw his wicket away at inopportune moments.
Reflecting on that particular aspect, the Lahore-born cricketer affirmed, “I think I have improved a lot when it comes to maturity both on the cricket field and off it. I feel that in the coming months and years everyone will see a more mature Umar Akmal. I particularly need to bat according to the situation more than I have in the past and that is definitely something I am focusing on.”
The attacking batsman implored the critics to not compare his career with fellow cricketers. Umar insisted, “I will ask my critics to not compare me with others. Just look at me and what I have achieved compared to others. They will get the answer by just looking at my statistics and looking at the numbers of others that my statistics are much better.“
Currently turning out for Leicestershire in the Natwest T20 Blast, he avowed that impressing the Pakistan selectors by performing consistently was his top priority.
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