I want to ask forgiveness of all fans for my conduct, says Umar Akmal after CT axing

Veteran Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal faced the heat of the norms set by the Pakistan Cricket Board ahead of the Champions Trophy 2017. Akmal, who was initially named in the 15-man squad for the mega event, was dropped from the side on the grounds of failing the fitness test. In the annual assessment conducted earlier this year, he weighed over 90 kgs and had a fat level going to 115.6. In essence, any measurement in excess of 100 in the readings is considered to be high.

Now, the Pakistani batsman is keen on working hard on his fitness and be back to his prime best yet again. As per the recent quotes in ESPNcricinfo, Umar Akmal quoted that he is more determined than ever before in getting back to the national setup. He apologized to his fans for his misconduct in regard to the fitness. Umar noted that he reveres Younis Khan a lot and would want to make a comeback like Younis always did in times of crisis.

“I want to ask forgiveness of all fans who have been hurt by my conduct.  am ready to commit to cricket. I still have a lot of cricket left in me and I aim to make another international comeback. I am even more focused on cricket now. My role model is Younis Khan, and even when he faced difficulties, he became even more determined. In the same way, I am now determined to come back more than ever,” quoted Umar Akmal.

On Haris Sohail

He further congratulated Haris Sohail all the luck for the Champions Trophy. Sohail replaced Umar Akmal in the squad. He thanked the chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq for having conducted the fitness tests. Umar vouched to do everything possible to make a return since cricket is the whole and sole of his life. He conveyed his best regards to the team.

“Firstly, I want to wish [his replacement] Haris Sohail best of luck. I also want to thank Inzi bhai [Inzamam] for conducting a fitness Test in Pakistan. I was also appointed captain of the Punjab team in the Pakistan Cup. Cricket is my bread and butter, and therefore I will try and fulfil whatever requirements the PCB has to allow me to return. Regardless of whether I’m with the team or not, my best wishes will always be with them,” said Akmal.

PCB keen on setting an example

Earlier, Inzamam had cited that the fitness levels and standard set by the board is very primary anyway. Despite that, if players do not manage to match the levels, then it is very disappointing. Inzamam added that the decision to drop Umar Akmal was tough but they wanted to set an example.

“We had a set a fitness standard which isn’t really a tough one to start with. But he still didn’t meet the average level. So whoever the player is, whatever his performance is like, we could not select him. Akmal being dropped is a reprimand and it’s a major blow for any player. He is a good player, we needed him, but we had to take a decision,” Inzamam had quoted.