Umar Akmal's story is a literal definition of great talent but wasted talent: Ramiz Raja

In match 21 of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), stumper-batter Umar Akmal played some sensational cricket, scoring 43* off just 14 deliveries. Courtesy of his blistering innings, Quetta Gladiators posted 179 runs on board after 20 overs. However, despite the same, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side failed to defend the score as Islamabad United won by two wickets in a last-over thriller.

Meanwhile, after Akmal’s fiery innings, former PCB chief Ramiz Raja took a dig at the cricketer and termed him as a ‘wasted talent’. Raja spoke about his disciplinary issues as well and also mentioned that Umar was one of his favourite players when he started playing cricket.

“Umar Akmal's story is a literal definition of great talent but wasted talent, unfortunately. However, there is a lesson for all the players, if you are not disciplined and if you cannot zip your mouth while playing, then there is a larger probability that you will be at the receiving end of injustice- quite an unfortunate scenario.

He was one of my favourite players when he started cricket, and we all saw a glimpse today of how much talent he carries. He destroyed Islamabad United's finest bowling attack,” Raja was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

I am not sure what the future holds for him: Ramiz Raja

Umar, who will turn 33 later this year has represented Pakistan in 121 ODI matches and 84 T20 internationals. He has a total of 4884 runs for the Men in Green in white-ball cricket and has over 1000 runs in red-ball cricket. He is currently not in Pakistan’s scheme of things and Raja stated that he is not sure what the future holds for him.

“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. There have been fitness issues with him, but there is a discipline problem as well. You are supposed to play cricket with blinkers on; once you quit playing cricket, you are free to give any kind of opinion. He needs to control his quarrelling attitude,” Raja added.

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