PSL 2019: Umar Akmal excluded from player drafts

Umar Akmal has out of contention for a selection in the Pakistan national team ever since the Men in Green’s ODI series against Australia back in January 2017. The team management then cited disciplinary issues as reasons behind his exclusion. He played for Lahore Qalandars, who finished as the cellar dwellers in the erstwhile edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Akmal didn’t play all of the matches and could only manage 57 runs in five matches at a dismal average of 11.40 and with a highest score of 31. Subsequently, he was also left out of the franchise. He was also bashed by Brendon McCullum, the Qalandars’ skipper and former New Zealand cricketer. It has now been learned that the Lahore-born batsman’s future has become bleaker.

More trouble for Akmal

The 28-year-old’s name hasn’t been included in the list of players to take part in the drafts for the upcoming T20 event as per reports in ARY Sports. Last time around, he was included in the Platinum class. Akmal has also got himself tangled in controversy of match-fixing. Recently, the wicketkeeper mentioned that he was offered $2000,000 for bowling a couple of dot deliveries.

A committee comprised of national selectors Waseem Haider and Wajahatullah Wasti and the Head of Players Execution Imran Ahmed Khan snubbed Akmal due to the spot-fixing case on him. The fourth season the PSL is expected to take place from February 14 to March 17 next year. The participating franchises have also referred categories for the players- Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Emerging.

The Islamabad United are the defending champions as they defeated Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets in a closely-fought final at Karachi National Stadium. Lahore Qalandars have finished fifth, fifth and sixth in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively and would be keen to put their best foot forward in the upcoming season.

[interaction id=”5bacdb67aaf62107a0ae6716″]

For more news and developments, stay tuned on CricTracker.com.