Umar Akmal: “I’m working hard every single day, putting in hours of training and practice, but without opportunities on the field, it becomes difficult to prove myself and make a comeback. All I need is a fair chance”

Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal is eager to make a comeback to competitive cricket, but says he needs a “fair chance” to do so.

Akmal last played international cricket in October 2019, while his most recent domestic match came back in February 2024.

He noted that he is putting in a lot of hard work and has been training and practicing for hours in order to keep himself ready should an opportunity arise in the future.

“I’m working hard every single day, putting in hours of training and practice, but without opportunities on the field, it becomes difficult to prove myself and make a comeback. All I need is a fair chance,” he said on X.

Since Akmal hasn’t played international cricket for years, he wasn’t picked for Pakistan’s two-Test series against the West Indies, which ended as a 1-1 draw, and the ongoing three-Test series against England.

Pakistan are 2-0 down against England and will look to earn a consolation win in the 3rd Test, which is currently taking place in Birmingham.

Pakistan Squad for 3rd Test against England in Birmingham: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah

MORE PAKISTAN CRICKET NEWS: Umar Akmal seeks comeback, asks for a fair chance