Brendon McCullum comes down hard on Umar Akmal

Umar Akmal was deemed as a special talent when he forayed into international cricket. However, inconsistent form has marred his career over the years. The Lahore-born cricketer last represented Pakistan during their tour of Australia in January 2017. The wicketkeeper-batsman is currently playing for the Lahore Qalandars in the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Akmal has flattered to deceive in the event and has been able to muster 57 runs in five games at an abysmal average of 11.40. Quite justifiably, Brendon McCullum, the skipper of the Qalandars, expressed his dissatisfaction for the Pakistani cricketer to the media. “Umar Akmal is a complicated guy. He has troubles, well-documented troubles throughout his career.” Baz was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

The hard message by McCullum

The former New Zealand captain didn’t mince words and said that Akmal hasn’t justified his potential. “I think he is an incredible talent, he has done some special things in his career. But if his career was to finish now, it would be fair to say that he has underachieved and that’s the hard message and sometimes you need a hard message. As a cricketer, you need to be honest with yourself and you need those who appeared to be honest with you and you need to be a recipient of that as well,” he added.

Here’s the interview 

@Bazmccullum: "@Umar96Akmal is a complicated guy. He has troubles, well documented troubles." pic.twitter.com/JNncAlPQtp

— Thakur (@ThakurHassam) March 11, 2018

Lahore Qalandars started their campaign with six consecutive defeats. However, they have managed to roll over the Multan Sultans and the Karachi Kings in their last couple of games. Nevertheless, even after the wins, Lahore’s elimination from the tournament looms large. The franchise has two games remaining against the Peshawar Zalmi and the Quetta Gladiators, and McCullum’s boys would be hoping to string together a couple of wins and keep their hopes alive in the event.

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