The 2009 T20 World Cup star and former wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal has defended his brother Umar Akmal, claiming that it is evident that performance-based criteria are not used to choose the team.
Umar Akmal stormed into the world stage with style, winning the highest accolades from professionals. The 19-year-old Umar hit 129 in his first Test innings against New Zealand in Dunedin against an attack that comprised Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori during an inning in which no other specialist batsmen reached the threshold of 30. The experts praised his bravery in the crease and various strokes.
Unfortunately, the Umar story’s sequel has not been as flawless. In 2010, his form failed him, and in June 2011, he received a show-cause warning for giving unauthorised interviews to the media, which didn’t help his situation. Soon after, he was benched for the Test series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates.
Kamran Akmal, a senior player, is not pleased with the team’s selection and has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s administration and selection committee for leaving Umar Akmal off the T20 squad.
“I’m referring to Umar. He was left off of the T20 team when it was revealed. Why? He competed in the PSL this year and last year in challenging circumstances. When given a chance, an opportunity, a finite number of balls or overs, etc., he did his utmost to perform,” Akmal added.
“I don’t have to explain or inform anyone; they all know the truth. I still do not understand why he cannot play for the national team, especially on the batting front.
