Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has made serious allegations against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming he has been consistently blocked from returning to both domestic and international cricket due to internal politics and interference from higher-ups.
In a candid interview, Akmal shared his frustration over not being given a fair opportunity to revive his career. He recounted a conversation with former team manager Wahab Riaz, where he expressed his availability for selection. “I keep saying that I want to play, but I am being asked whether I appeared in trials,” Akmal said. “Wahab Riaz asked me, ‘Have you played trial matches?’ I told him, ‘What are you talking about? I am available.’”
Umar Akmal, who last represented Pakistan in 2019, alleged that despite showing strong intent and maintaining fitness, he was deliberately kept out of contention. He claimed that PCB officials and higher authorities gave direct instructions to team coaches and captains not to select him. “Even when management wanted to pick me, they were pressured not to,” Akmal said.
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He emphasized that this exclusion was not limited to one PCB regime, but spanned across multiple leadership tenures. According to him, he was never invited to domestic training camps or trials, despite being eligible and performing well in domestic tournaments.
Akmal went on to criticize the broader culture of favoritism and politics within the PCB, saying it has damaged Pakistan cricket by sidelining deserving players. He mentioned that other cricketers have faced similar treatment, pointing to a deeper issue within the system.
Despite these setbacks, Umar Akmal expressed his desire to return to the national team. “I still want to play for Pakistan. I’m fit and ready to prove myself if given a fair chance,” he said. He urged the PCB to adopt a transparent and merit-based selection process to ensure that talented players are not excluded due to personal biases or political interference.
