Rawalpindi, 5 March 2023 (GNP): The Former Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja, praised Umar Akmal of Quetta Gladiators for his fiery innings of 43* off 14 balls against Islamabad United on Sunday.
Umar Akmal delivered an outstanding knock to assist Quetta Gladiator reach 179-6 in 20 overs. Batting at a strike rate of 307.14, Umar Akmal smashed five sixes and 2 fours.
In his post match review, on a local TV show Ramiz Raja called Umar Akmal the biggest match-winner, who had fallen prey to negligence and a lack of discipline.
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Ramiz Raja said, “Unfortunately, the tragedy of Umar Akmal is a real example of exceptional talent that has been wasted. There is a lesson here for all players, though, if you lack self-control and cannot keep your mouth shut when playing, there is a greater chance that you will experience unfairness”.
“He was one of my favorite players when he first started playing cricket, and today we all got a taste of the skill he possesses”, he added.
Raja also said that there’s the possibility that Akmal could rediscover his usefulness and rejoin the team.
“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″, former PCB continued.
Since October 7th, 2019, Umar Akmal has not represented Pakistan.
Nevertheless, if the 32-year-old is able to maintain the form he displayed in the most recent game, he could be able to alter that perception.
