Umar Akmal revives feud with Waqar Younis on national television
In a fresh wave of explosive claims, out-of-favour Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has reignited his long-running feud with former head coach Waqar Younis — blaming him for derailing his international career out of personal envy.
The 35-year-old batter, who last played for Pakistan in 2019, made the allegations while speaking on a local television show, Zabardast with Wasi Shah on Neo News.
“Waqar Younis ruined my career, not because of performance, but because of jealousy. He couldn’t tolerate my fame, my earnings, or my lifestyle,” Umar Akmal said.
Allegations of personal bias and PCB roadblocks
Umar accused Waqar of harboring resentment toward younger players who could afford a more visible lifestyle, including cars and branded clothing — choices he says were unfairly held against him.
“Whatever Allah has given me, I am fulfilling my and my family’s desires, so what is wrong with that?” he said. “He [Waqar] used to say, You have gotten so much money.”
Umar insisted his exclusion from the national side and domestic cricket had nothing to do with performance, claiming other players also suffered under Waqar’s tenure.
“He didn’t just target me. There were others too, but I don’t want to name them right now,” he said.
He added that his version of events was not isolated. “I am not saying this alone; all the cricketers who have played with me, Rana Naveed ul Hassan, will also say the same.”
Formal complaint during 2016 World Cup
The batter revealed that his concerns were officially raised during a major tournament, referring to his actions in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup.
“In 2016, when I went to play the World Cup, I submitted letters and files to the cricket board and suggested that if he was removed, the team would get better,” Umar said.
Claims of ongoing exclusion and desire to return
Beyond Waqar, Umar suggested that certain individuals within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are still obstructing his return to competitive cricket — including the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“Some people sitting in the PCB don’t want me or Kamran [Akmal] to play again. That’s why we’re not being picked in the PSL either,” he alleged.
Despite the repeated setbacks, Umar said he continues to prioritize playing for Pakistan, even turning down overseas offers.
“No one else has done the same; my first priority is still to play for Pakistan,” he said.
The bigger picture: unresolved tensions and divided opinions
Umar Akmal’s latest comments have once again stirred debate within Pakistan’s cricketing circles. While some view him as a player who failed to live up to his talent, others see him as a victim of internal politics and poor management.
His allegations come at a time when PCB leadership is under increased scrutiny for its handling of player development and selection. Whether his claims lead to any formal response or investigation remains to be seen — but for now, Umar Akmal continues to assert that he was unfairly sidelined by those who should have nurtured his potential.
