New Delhi: Middle-order batsman Umar Akmal's chat with former captain Imran Khan is the latest controversy to rock Pakistan cricket.
Akmal allegedly requested Imran Khan to speak to the team management and alter his batting position.
The incident occurred when the World Cup-winning skipper met the Pakistan players ahead of their clash against India on Saturday at the Eden Gardens.
Umar took the opportunity to ask him to tell the captain (Shahid Afridi) to send him to bat in the top order.
.@Umar96Akmal talking to @ImranKhanPTI #IndvsPak #WT20 pic.twitter.com/Ta9cP7fthO
— Farrukh Shaikh (@farrukhshaikh) March 20, 2016
Akmal's behaviour drew criticism from several former Pakistani players.
What the hell is wrong with UAkmal walking up to Imran & asking him to promote his case to the team Mngmt for no 3 spot.He had no business!
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) March 19, 2016
I too have always maintained that he should bat at 3.It's the manner in which he plead his case thats objectionable https://t.co/tq2seuKZst
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) March 20, 2016
Umar Akmal should believe in his talent rather then believing in people but unfortunately that's not the case with him for last 7 years..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 20, 2016
A reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board told PTI that Chairman Shaharyar Khan, who is present in Kolkata, had not taken kindly to Umar's antics and had spoken to the team management about the incident in front of cameras.
Umar has a history of disciplinary problems and has been in the past been censured or fined several times by the board for his behavior.
(With Agency inputs)
