'You are defaming your country' - Javed Miandad warns Umar Akmal on behalf of late Abdul Qadir

One of the most talented batsmen Pakistan has produced, Umar Akmal has often been heralded as the new doyen of batsmanship ever since his debut in 2009. However, form, indiscipline and overall misbehaviour has caused him to lose his place in the national team for quite some time and has even not been able to make a comeback.

He did have a short appearance against Sri Lanka in T20Is, but since then has been at odds with the board, especially after his episode at the NCA in Lahore, where he shouted at the trainers after failing a fitness test, asking them to show where his fat was. After an inquiry into the incidence, which reportedly had him undressing; PCB banned him for breaching Article 4.7.1 of its code of conduct.

‘Mend your ways’: Javed Miandad to Umar Akmal

This has now led to Pakistani legend Javed Miandad warning him to get his act straight and stop acting out like he is a diva. Many might not know that Umar is the son-in-law of late Pakistani legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir. Qadir was fast friends with Miandad as his career flourished under Miandad’s captaincy during his playing days.

“Umar Akmal, your father-in-law [Abdul Qadir] was a great cricketer. I am warning you on behalf of my late friend that you better mend your ways or else I will hold you accountable on behalf of Qadir. You are defaming your country and Pakistan’s former cricketers with your acts. I will request Umar Akmal’s mother and father to control their son,” Miandad was quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Further, Miandad told Akmal that he is defaming his country with his cheap antics despite making so much money from cricket. By doing so, he was harming his own cricketing career. This statement is true, given that PCB banned him from participating in the ongoing Pakistan Super League as well and was asked to return his paychecks for the same.

“Cricket gives you not only money but also respect. We have left cricket but people still respect us. Kindly improve your conduct, play good cricket and respect everyone,” he concluded. Miandad also urged Akmal’s father and mother to control Umar as he was ruining his own career, which started with so much promise. The talented batsman has made 5887 runs in 221 international matches with three centuries to his name.