Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing the board of repeated obstruction and discrimination that he says has derailed his playing career. Speaking to media during an interaction on Friday, the 35-year-old expressed frustration over delayed and denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) that have kept him out of overseas T20 leagues — and warned he is prepared to take the matter to court.
His comments, reported across several outlets, reflect years of tension between Akmal and the board — a saga he says has cost him both financially and mentally.
“I regret those decisions”: Akmal opens up on career sacrifices
Akmal, who was once considered the future of Pakistan’s middle order, said his decision to put international cricket above personal financial opportunities has backfired.
“International cricket has always been my top priority. I gave up major leagues to serve Pakistan. But today, I regret those decisions because I never imagined I’d be treated like this. I don’t understand the reason behind it, nor do I know who in the PCB thinks I shouldn’t be playing cricket,” — Umar Akmal
He also pointed to double standards within the system, claiming other players with serious disciplinary histories have been reintegrated into the national setup.
“I’m willing to say it on camera — there are players who seriously damaged Pakistan’s image and were punished for it, yet they are now key members of the national team,” — Umar Akmal
Akmal alleges financial loss and professional damage due to NOC delays
A central part of Akmal’s criticism involves the PCB’s alleged mishandling of NOCs — essential documents required to play in foreign leagues. He recalled a past incident where a late NOC cost him most of his league contract.
“I had faced an issue with my NOC before as well, and even then I suffered a significant loss. When the media offered a bit of support, I was asking for an NOC from the 12th to the 25th, but I was given the NOC on the night of the 20th. After that, it was a very difficult decision for me. The way my contract was ruined is extremely unfair,” — Umar Akmal
Now, Akmal has applied for another NOC — this time for an ICC-sanctioned league in Switzerland — but said the PCB has yet to respond.
“I have applied for another NOC now, but I can’t understand why they haven’t issued it yet. It’s obvious that if I’m going to play in a league, it’s ICC-approved. If it weren’t, why would I even apply?” — Umar Akmal
“Deeply shameful”: PCB’s ex-cricketers in administration also under fire
In a rare move, Akmal directly criticised former players now in administrative roles, accusing them of turning their backs on fellow cricketers.
“What hurts me the most is that the people in PCB who have the authority in such matters are themselves former cricketers — and for them to act like this despite being cricketers is deeply shameful for me,” — Umar Akmal
He added that despite his age, he still has years left to offer, and warned that legal action is now firmly on the table.
“I’ll have to do it. Right now, I’m not that old — my age is such that I still have time. I can’t just shoot myself if I’m not getting to play for Pakistan. There are players older than me who are still in the Pakistan team and playing in leagues,” — Umar Akmal
“They’re getting NOCs, but I’m not. So if I come forward with proof in front of the media, then you all can decide for yourselves — and the public will too. That would make me feel much better,” — Umar Akmal
“If this continues, I will go to court. I’m not done yet. I have many years left in me and I deserve the same opportunities others get,” — Umar Akmal
“But I’ve been made to suffer quietly, time and again.” — Umar Akmal
T20 veteran, but sidelined by the system
Despite not featuring for Pakistan since 2019, Umar Akmal remains one of the country’s most experienced T20 cricketers. He has played in top leagues including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Champions League T20.
His career numbers reflect his value in the format — 5,839 runs in 279 T20 matches with 34 half-centuries and a hundred, and 1,690 runs in 84 T20Is for Pakistan at a strike rate of 122.73.
Now, with few answers and mounting frustration, Akmal stands at a crossroads — weighing a legal fight to salvage his right to play.
