Cricket News
‘Virat Kohli wasn’t sidelined…’ – Umar Akmal opens up after being taken aback by journalist’s stunning revelation
‘They continued to play him here and there,’ he added.
Umar Akmal, the Pakistani cricketer, has been away from competitive cricket on the back of a suspension from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to report on a spot-fixing allegation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The right-handed batter has not been a part of competitive cricket of late and he, in all likelihood, might have to retire without representing Pakistan in future.
During an interview with Pakistani journalist Hafiz Muhammad Imran, Umar was told that he was sidelined on purpose and Raza Ali Dar, who led him during a domestic circuit tournament had to leave Umar out after receiving the request to do so and for unknown reasons. Taken aback by the same, Umar said that it was unfair to leave him out in such a way.
Umar cited the Indian cricket board as an example and said that the board backed Virat Kohli when the right-handed batter was going through what can be called the worst phase of his life. Notably, despite not getting runs on his back, Kohli was backed and eventually roared back to form during the game against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022.
PCB’s role is to support their players during tough times: Umar Akmal
The 32-year-old added that he was sidelined without any obvious reason and that PCB must have backed him instead. The Pakistani veteran did not shy away from lauding the Indian cricket board for backing Kohli despite the latter failing to score runs for almost 2 years. The right-handed batter from India was backed to the core and fans awaited his comeback, only to witness three quick centuries for the Men in Blue in the ODIs as well.
“I feel very ashamed that Raza said that in such a straightforward way. He should’ve taken names of people who called or sent chits saying that I shouldn’t be played. I’ve given so much for Pakistan, I don’t deserve this treatment. PCB’s role is to support their players during tough times,” Umar was quoted as saying.
“A big example for this is Virat Kohli. He wasn’t sidelined when he couldn’t perform. They continued to play him here and there, he wasn’t told that your cricket is over. I’ll give credit to the Indian cricket board that they supported him,” said the Pakistani veteran further.
