Umar Akmal Reignites Old Controversy
Pakistan’s middle-order batter Umar Akmal has once again stirred controversy, this time by accusing former national team head coach Waqar Younis of deliberately ending his cricketing career.
In a recent interview, the 34-year-old cricketer claimed he was excluded from the team not because of his performance, but due to ‘personal jealousy,’ as also detailed in this report on his accusations against Waqar Younis.
Waqar Younis destroyed my career, Akmal alleged. He dropped me from the team, not for poor form, but because of personal grudges.
He Couldn’t Tolerate Young Players’ Success
Expanding on his claims, Umar Akmal said that Waqar Younis had an issue with younger players displaying success or wealth.
He couldn’t tolerate it if a young player bought a new car or wore branded clothes, Akmal said. When I bought a new vehicle or wore something nice, he would sarcastically comment that I had made too much money.
The cricketer maintained that such attitudes created an unhealthy environment within the team, particularly for emerging players trying to establish themselves.
Other Players Also Affected
Umar Akmal further claimed that he was not the only one who suffered under Waqar Younis’s tenure. He mentioned that former pacer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and several others could support his version of events.
Many of us had to face his biased behavior. I still respect Waqar Younis as a senior player, but not as a coach, he stated.
A Career Marked by Talent and Turmoil
Umar Akmal, once regarded as one of Pakistan’s most promising batting talents, has often been in the headlines for disciplinary issues and disputes with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
He made his international debut in 2009 and played 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is for Pakistan. However, his career trajectory declined sharply due to fitness issues, inconsistent form, and off-field controversies — including a three-year ban in 2020 (later reduced) for failing to report a corrupt approach under PCB’s anti-corruption code.
Despite occasional attempts at comebacks through domestic cricket and franchise leagues, Umar Akmal has struggled to reclaim a spot in the national side.
Background: Ongoing Rift Between Players and Management
The tensions between senior players and coaches have long been a recurring issue in Pakistan cricket. Waqar Younis, who served multiple stints as head coach and bowling coach, has previously faced criticism from several players for alleged favoritism and strict disciplinary methods.
Neither Waqar Younis nor the PCB has responded to Umar Akmal’s latest remarks as of yet.
