Did not get deserved support, says Umar

Pakistan’s controversial young batsman, Umar Akmal complained of a media witch-hunt against him and revealed that he contemplated retirement after being dropped this year. The 25-year old, who has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 111 ODIs and 63 T20 internationals, criticised media for always going after him and creating controversies.

“I don’t think I have got the support from the media that I deserved every little issue I have been involved has been blown out of proportion and my statements also misunderstood. In all this I have been made out to be a controversial and indisciplined player and person,” he said. Umar said the thought of retirement did cross his mind at one stage.

“When they dropped me from the Pakistan ODI squad I was very upset and emotional and was thinking about announcing my retirement from international cricket,” Umar said.

 “But it was after my elders and friends spoke to me and talked sense into me that I decided to fight on and continue to try to get into the Pakistan team. For someone who has always tried to be part of the Pakistan team in all three formats being dropped for the ODIs was very disappointing.”