Umar Akmal: “Waqar Younis did a lot of damage to my career. If I bought a car or wore good clothes, that was a problem for him. I respect him as a senior player, but not as a coach”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has lashed out at former head coach Waqar Younis, accusing him of doing a lot of damage to his career.
Akmal claimed that Waqar, regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest fast bowlers, had a problem with him buying a car or dressing well.
Due to the way he was treated by the 54-year-old, Akmal made it clear that he has respect for him as a bowler, but not as a coach.
“Waqar Younis did a lot of damage to my career. If I bought a car or wore good clothes, that was a problem for him. I respect him as a senior player, but not as a coach,” he was quoted as saying by Khel Shel.
In addition to venting his frustration at Waqar, Akmal also expressed his anger at being overlooked for domestic matches and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“Even though I performed well, I wasn’t selected for domestic or PSL matches. Some people inside the system blocked me. People should see that I played for Pakistan and left leagues just for the national team which I can guarantee that no player from the current lot can as leagues give you a lot of money,” he added.
Akmal last played for Pakistan in October 2019, while his most recent domestic match came in February 2024.
The Pakistan team recently toured Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series in Dambulla, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Their next assignment will be three T20Is against Australia, which will take place in Lahore from January 29 to February 1.