Umar Akmal reveals 'shocking' response from Wahab Riaz on national team comeback

Pakistani middle-order batter Umar Akmal has revealed that he approached former selector Wahab Riaz in hopes of making a return to the Pakistan national team but was left stunned by Wahab's response.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Umar claimed, "When Wahab Riaz was the selector, I told him that I wanted to return to the national team and play for my country. In response, he asked me, 'Have you played any trial matches?' I was shocked to hear that."

Expressing disappointment, Umar said that such a question was disrespectful to a player of his experience. "After a 15-year cricket career, being asked whether I've played trial matches is an insult," he stated.

Previously, Umar Akmal had also criticised former head coach Waqar Younis and former captain Younis Khan. He alleged that Younis Khan repeatedly criticised him during Test matches for playing aggressive shots. "Whenever I played attacking shots, Younis would say, 'Do you want to play T20 cricket in a Test match?'" Umar recalled.

He further claimed that Waqar Younis had issues not only with him but also with his brothers Kamran and Adnan Akmal. "Waqar questioned why all three of us were part of the national team at the same time," Umar said.

Umar accused Waqar Younis of prematurely writing him off as a T20 player. "He believed that I had no future left in T20 cricket," Umar alleged.

In the past, other players like Mohammad Amir have also expressed dissatisfaction with Waqar Younis's coaching, with Amir levelling serious allegations against the legendary fast bowler.

Umar Akmal last played for Pakistan in October 2019 against Sri Lanka in Lahore.