Test cricketer Umar Akmal has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being excluded from the team, strongly criticizing the board’s policies.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Umar Akmal expressed frustration, saying that PCB tells them they are too old to play or even be mentors, yet players aged 43 and 45 are still participating in PSL 10. “What should we do then? Should we shoot ourselves?” he questioned angrily.
He added that players like Ahmed Shehzad, Sohaib Maqsood, and himself are being sidelined simply because they are around 34 years old, while players older than them continue to play.
Umar Akmal accused the board of age-based discrimination in player selection.
He also criticized the standards of fitness tests, claiming that some senior players and coaches have never even taken fitness tests. Some senior cricketers only prepare for the PSL and do not allow young talent to get opportunities.
He questioned, “When renowned players aren’t played in the PSL, why would fans come to the stadiums?”
Earlier, former cricketer and national team batting consultant Mohammad Yousuf also raised concerns over 43-year-old Shoaib Malik’s participation in PSL 10, criticizing the board’s approach.
He stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board needs to develop a clear policy regarding the selection and inclusion of aging cricketers.
