Pakistan Test cricketer Umar Akmal has voiced his disappointment over former teammate Zulqarnain Haider’s alleged return to controversial behavior, despite a recent reconciliation effort during Haider’s battle with a life-threatening illness.
Appearing on a local television program, Akmal stated that he deliberately refrained from pursuing legal action against Haider, citing the ex-wicketkeeper’s financial struggles. “I have no resentment towards anyone. If I wanted I could have sent him a legal notice, but I did not as I was aware of his financial situation,” Akmal said.
Akmal revealed he was one of the first people to support Haider during his health crisis in 2022, both emotionally and financially. “My wife was the first among those people who motivated me to take that initiative,” he added.
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However, Akmal expressed regret that Haider, after recovering, has allegedly resumed the same problematic behavior that strained their relationship in the past. “Recently, when he recovered, he once again has started doing the same things and I think that shows how people are — but I will still take it positively.”
The temporary reconciliation in 2022 marked a surprising moment, considering Haider had previously accused Akmal of sabotaging his international career.
Haider’s own cricketing journey has been tumultuous. He infamously fled the national squad during a 2010 series in Dubai, citing threats to his safety, and though he returned to domestic cricket, he was never recalled to the national team.
As of now, neither Zulqarnain Haider nor the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has publicly responded to Akmal’s latest remarks.
