Pakistani unfit middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has vowed to make a strong comeback for his side in the foreseeable future, after failing to pass the fitness test in England prior to the much-awaited 2017 ICC Champions Trophy multilateral event which will be beginning with the match of hosts England and Bangladesh on June 1 at The Oval.
“I will try and fulfill whatever requirements the PCB has to make my return possible,” Umar told Geo’s Syed Yahya Hussaini.
Umar failed his second fitness test just during the 10-day preparatory camp which kicked-off at Edgbaston in Birmingham on May 18.
The reports further revealed that 26-year-old Umar failed two tests on consecutive days which forced the team management to ask him – to pack for the home, as he was replaced by a promising left-handed batsman Haris Sohail after Asif Zakir and Umar Amin were also in the fray as the replacement.
Umar has backed Pakistan team by saying they have the ability to win all the games while wishing his best to Sohail.
“First of all, I want to wish Haris Sohail best of luck. Regardless of whether I’m with the team or not, my best wishes will always be with them,” Umar said.
The Lahore-born batsman Umar has been in the news for many wrong reasons and this time he was released from the team over his poor fitness.
Interestingly, the report of annual assessment revealed Umar’s fat level has reached to 115.6, as 100 is considered as normal and his weight was registered in the excess of 91 kgs.
Earlier, it was PCB chief selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq himself who was supervising the test which was conducted by Dr Saboor at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The insiders revealed, Inzamam has a liking for Umar and wanted him to play for the major ICC event in England and Wales.
“I also want to thank Inzi bhai [Inzamam-Ul-Haq] for conducting a fitness test in Pakistan. I was also appointed captain of the Punjab team in the Pakistan Cup,” Umar asserted.
However, Pakistan coach, who reached England after concluding the West Indies tour asked team trainer Grant Luden to take fitness test of Umar.
The aggressive batsman, who had a dismal show with the bat after making an impressive start in his international career, has apologised to his fans while adding he is focusing on staying fit and remain dedicated towards cricket.
“I still have a lot of cricket left in me and I aim to be back stronger than ever. I am even more focused on cricket now. I apologise to all the fans who have been hurt by my conduct,” Umar maintained.
The occasional wicket-keeper revealed his role model in the form of veteran batsman Younis Khan, who has recently announced his international retirement alongside Pakistan’s successful skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq.
Umar wished to learn more stay committed to the gentleman’s game while he is learning from the highs and lows of his former teammate Younis.
“My role model is Younis Khan, and even when he faced difficulties, he became even more determined. Similarly, I am now determined to come back more than ever,” Umar said on Younis.
Umar, who made his international debut in 2009, has played 116 One-day Internationals, 82 Twenty20 Internationals and 16 Tests for Pakistan. He has just registered two centuries in ODIs followed by one hundred in Tests.