ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal revealed in a recent podcast that he declined lucrative offers from international Twenty20 (T20) leagues to prioritize playing domestic cricket. The wicketkeeper-batsman asserted his dedication to representing Pakistan and contributing to domestic cricket.
In the podcast, Akmal disclosed that he received offers from prestigious leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with tempting salaries reaching $100,000. However, he chose to adhere to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) advice to focus on domestic cricket, emphasizing the opportunity to mentor emerging players.
Umar Akmal’s Commitment to Pakistan’s Domestic Cricket
Expressing his commitment to the national team and the local cricket scene, Akmal explained that his aim was to contribute to the development of the game in Pakistan. Despite the substantial financial incentives from international T20 leagues, he prioritized staying in the country to impart his knowledge and skills to young talents.
Akmal expressed frustration with the PCB, alleging that the cricket board failed to fulfill its promises and did not duly recognize his services. The wicketkeeper-batsman has not represented Pakistan since 2019, and he was not selected by any franchise for the recent edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
With a rich international career spanning across all three formats, Umar Akmal has played 221 matches for Pakistan, accumulating 5,887 runs, including three centuries and 34 half-centuries. His last appearance for the national team was in a T20 International against Sri Lanka in October 2019.
