Pakistan Team face a major blow prior to ICC Champions Trophy 2017 as the wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal failed to pass the fitness test in England & Wales and sent home by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur. Akmal did not just fail one fitness test but two disappointing his teammates. Though Akmal went under a fitness test back home as well under the supervision of Pakistan selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Though coach Arthur did not seem satisfied with the fitness reports and his suspicion turned out to be true during the fitness tests.
But it did not go down well with former Pakistan coach and cricketer Waqar Younis lashes out at the 27-year-old. Younis said in an interview with SkySports, “He should be thoroughly ashamed that Arthur and the coaching staff have had to send him back to Pakistan. Umar should look in the mirror and tell himself, ‘In future, I will sort this out’. Will he do it? I’m not sure that he will, as there have been many incidents involving him throughout his career. That is why the talent has not blossomed. He has not done justice to himself,” ALSO READ: Watch: Moeen Ali’s dedication for Ramadan, will fast throughout ICC Champions Trophy 2017!
He went on to express his rage towards Akmal, “I guess he’s happy with what he’s doing but if this was me, I would feel ashamed,” He did not just stop there and also blamed the PCB officials, he said, “I think the PCB, the coaches, and the selectors have been very kind to Umar as they keep giving him the opportunities because everyone wants to see him succeed and do well at the international level.”
Pakistan are to play India in their first ICC Champions Trophy 2017 game on June 4 and the pressure is already mounting on them. In Akmal’s absence, Harris Sohail has been called in as his replacement. ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Kumar Sangakkara predicts winners of the tournament and it’s not Sri Lanka!
Akmal apologised after his fitness debacle, he told ESPNCricinfo, “I apologise to all the fans who have been hurt by my conduct. I still have a lot of cricket left in me and I aim to be back stronger than ever. I am even more focused on cricket now.”
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