Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal tosses a ball during a practice session at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, in this file photo.
India’s Virat Kohli, Steve Smith of Australia and Pakistan’s Umar Akmal launched their international cricket careers more or less at the same time.
The batting trio was highly rated because of their natural talent they showcased as they enjoyed successful starts at the top level.
Fast forward to today – nearly reaching the mid of their careers – at least one of the three has not built on his fine start to international cricket - Akmal.
While Kohli and Smith have become superstars of the game and are leading their respective national teams – Akmal – touted as one of the few naturally gifted batsmen - is struggling to cement his place in the team.
The 27-year-old made a remarkable Test debut in Dunedin during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand for 2009 series in which he scored over 200 runs in difficult conditions, including 129 in his first Test innings.
But the middle-order batsman since then has been on a roller coaster ride, having being involved in several controversies often resulting in punishment or fines.
Two weeks ago Akmal was axed from Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad after being selected and was sent back home from England where he failed two fitness tests in as many days.
“Umar (Akmal) should blame himself for what he is going through,” Misbah Ul Haq who retired as Pakistan Test captain last month said while giving his views on the batsman on a television show broadcast yesterday.
“It’s very disappointing for me because he is a capable player and can contribute a lot for Pakistan,” he said.
Misbah, 43, who was considered as one of the fittest players in Pakistan team even at the time of his retirement, said there was no excuse for Akmal’s shortcoming saying ‘fitness comes first in modern day cricket’.
“Umar (Akmal) failed the test twice which means he was not working on it, despite the standards already informed by the team management," Misbah pointed out.
"Fitness is more important nowadays than scoring runs or being sharp on the field. Every player should keep that in mind. Even if I am the captain and not passing the fitness test, I don’t deserve a place in team,” he said.
Misbah, who handpicked Akmal for his domestic side SNGPL, said the batsman can still make a comeback and contribute a lot for the national team.
“Umar is highly talented. He scored runs after runs in domestic cricket and it really hurts to see him in this position. But he can still make a comeback by bringing a change in attitude. He needs to set his priorities and grow as a cricketer," the former Pakistan Test skipper said.
“When you gain experience in cricket your responsibilities increase and he needs to understand that. Firstly, Umar Akmal needs to admit his mistakes and work to rectify himself to come as fit and a disciplined player,” Misbah added.
Misbah advised Akmal to learn from India’s Kohli who remain focused on bringing improvement in his fitness and game, despite already being a highly successful cricketer.
“Everybody knows the sacrifices Kohli makes every day to keep him fit and in form. How he manages his diet and training is in front of everybody. It’s all about discipline. Umar Akmal can still come back but he will have to show determination to make that possible. He needs to be resolute as only this way he can make a return to top level.”
