Batsman Umar Akmal returns to PSL action after three years

F.P. Report

LAHIRE: Right handed batsman Umar Akmal who when came to the limelight, was perceived to be an illuminating star for Pakistan cricket, but scandals took his cricketing career at the backfoot. But finally, after more than three years, Umar is back in action in Pakistan Super League (PSL) by representing the Quetta Gladiators in today’s match against Islamabad United.

Though, he resumed his first-class career in Quaid-e-Azam trophy by representing Balochistan. But, PSL is a platform that may played a pivotal role to decide the fate of Umar Akmal of playing for the Pakistan national cricket team or not.

Umar Akmal has played 33 matches in PSL for two teams including Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators. He has so far scored 833 runs with the average of 33.32, which is quite handy in T20s.

While, Umar has the highest score of 93. In PSL, Umar has clobbered 42 sixes and 66 fours with the healthy strike rate of 137.91. So definitely, in terms of the statistics, Umar Akmal would be an important addition to the Quetta Gladiators team.

Now, there is a question of million dollars whether Umar Akmal will further excel in his career or not. Because, one question that may be going on his mind that will be of making his comeback to the Pakistan side by making the utmost use of the platform.

Another thing which the cricketing experts may monitor that whether Umar Akmal manages to improvise or not, because it would not easy for him to cope with the mounting pressure, derived from number of sources.

One source of pressure for Umar Akmal would be the sublime form of his first cousin and captain of Pakistan national cricket team, Babar Azam. This could be quite tough for him to make his comeback for Pakistan, but you never know, how the board will react on Akmal’s case.

Though, considering the perspectives of the game, Umar Akmal still has a large number of fan following, so hopefully he would try to do the justice with the game, leaving behind all the things that demoralized him in the past.