In match 21 of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), stumper-batter Umar Akmal played some sensational cricket, scoring 43* off just 14 deliveries. Courtesy of his blistering innings, Quetta Gladiators posted 179 runs on board after 20 overs. However, despite the same, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side failed to defend the score as Islamabad United won by two wickets in a last-over thriller.
Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja took a dig at the cricketer and termed him as a ‘wasted talent’. Raja spoke about his disciplinary issues as well and also mentioned that Umar was one of his favourite players when he started playing cricket.
“Umar Akmal’s story is a literal definition of great talent but wasted talent, unfortunately. However, there is a lesson for all the players, if you are not disciplined and if you cannot zip your mouth while playing, then there is a larger probability that you will be at the receiving end of injustice- quite an unfortunate scenario.
He was one of my favourite players when he started cricket, and we all saw a glimpse today of how much talent he carries. He destroyed Islamabad United’s finest bowling attack,” Raja was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
I am not sure what the future holds for him: Ramiz Raja
“I am not sure what the future holds for him – will he be able to become an asset for us or not, but in today’s date, there is no bigger match-winner than Umar Akmal in Pakistan – playing at 6 or 7. There have been fitness issues with him, but there is a discipline problem as well. You are supposed to play cricket with blinkers on; once you quit playing cricket, you are free to give any kind of opinion. He needs to control his quarrelling attitude,” Raja added.
