Waqar Younis Ruined Umar Akmal’s Career? Pakistani Batter Opens Up on Alleged Mental Torture

In a sensational revelation, Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has claimed that Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career by mentally pressuring him and stifling his natural game. The 34-year-old batter, who has long been absent from international cricket, accused former head coach Waqar Younis of behavior that went beyond professional criticism and bordered on personal attacks.

During an interview with GTV Sports, Umar Akmal explained how Waqar repeatedly criticized his playing style, questioned his personal choices, and even targeted his family. According to Umar, these actions not only impacted his confidence but also disrupted his cricketing growth, leading to the premature decline of his international career.

Umar Akmal Claims Waqar Younis Ruined His Test Career

Umar Akmal specifically pointed to his experiences in the Test format, claiming that Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career by discouraging his aggressive batting approach. He shared how any style of play he adopted—whether attacking or defensive—was met with negative comments from Waqar.

“When I played attacking shots, I was told, ‘Have you started playing T20 cricket in Tests?’ And when I rotated the strike, they said, ‘Are you playing an ODI in Test cricket?’” Umar recalled.

He added that modern Test cricket has evolved into a fast-paced format, ironically reflecting the very style he was discouraged from adopting.

Accusations of Bias and Targeting the Akmal Brothers

Further adding fuel to the fire, Umar Akmal claimed that Waqar’s attitude wasn’t just professional—it was personal. He alleged that Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career partly due to bias against the Akmal family, particularly his brothers Kamran Akmal and Adnan Akmal, who also represented Pakistan.

“Waqar Younis said, ‘Will all the cricket be played by these brothers?’ I heard it with my own ears. What kind of statement is that from a head coach?” said Umar.

This alleged bias, Umar believes, played a major role in his exclusion from the team and derailed what could have been a promising international career.

Focus on Personal Choices Rather Than Performance?

Umar didn’t stop there. He accused Waqar of focusing on his off-field lifestyle rather than his on-field performance, further explaining how this added unnecessary mental pressure.

“He would ask me, ‘Why are you wearing these glasses? Why these shoes?’ Instead of focusing on my cricket, he was more interested in such things,” said Umar.

This is another reason why Umar insists that Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career, by creating an environment where he felt judged and scrutinized for reasons unrelated to his cricketing abilities.

Senior Players Offered Support Amid the Turmoil

Despite his struggles, Umar Akmal acknowledged the support he received from senior members of the team, who encouraged him to stay focused and block out the negativity.

“The senior players sat me down and told me to ignore these things and play my natural game. They encouraged me to focus on my strengths,” Umar revealed.

This advice, he said, was crucial in keeping him mentally stable during what he described as a “mentally torturous phase” of his career.

Umar Akmal’s Career Stats and Where It All Stalled

Umar last played for Pakistan in October 2019 during a T20I series against Sri Lanka. His career spanned:

• 16 Test matches
• 121 ODIs
• 84 T20Is
• 3,400+ international runs across all formats

Despite a promising start, his career failed to flourish. While some attribute it to disciplinary issues and inconsistent form, Umar believes that Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career through a combination of biased selections, personal targeting, and mental stress.

Did Waqar Younis Really Ruin Umar Akmal’s Career?

The latest statements by Umar Akmal have reignited discussions in the cricketing world. His allegations are serious and bring attention to the often-overlooked psychological aspects of team management.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Umar claims Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career by mentally pressuring him.
• Accuses Waqar of discouraging his natural game in Tests and ODIs.
• Alleges personal bias and family-related discrimination.
• Points to comments made about his appearance and lifestyle.
• Thanks senior players for helping him stay focused.

While only one side of the story has been heard, it’s clear that the phrase “Waqar Younis ruined Umar Akmal’s career” is now a central narrative in Pakistan cricket’s internal controversies.