Umar Akmal lands himself in possible trouble over comments

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could land himself in trouble with his department and also the PCB after voicing his frustration at being sidelined by his department in the ongoing President's Trophy tournament.

Umar, who had played just one match for Sui Northern Gas in the first six rounds of the first-class tournament, was also sidelined for the seventh round match, leading to a war of words with coach, Basit Ali.

While Umar insisted he was ready to play, Ali said he was not selected since his replacement, Waqas had done well, and secondly, Umar needed to rethink his approach to batting in the longer form of the game.

It has now intensified with Umar hitting out at his coach in an interview to a website.

Sources in the board said that Umar's interview could land him in trouble as he is a contracted player with the board and is suppose to first seek permission before speaking to the media.

Umar has alleged that he was disappointed with Ali's comments.

"I feel that there has to be a personal issue here regarding my treatment and personal matters should not get in the way of cricket. At first I was liked by Basit Ali, he was very supportive and helped me, but I've noticed a change in his behaviour towards me of late.

"If I've made a mistake then tell me what I have done wrong, but don't mistreat a young cricketer who just wants to do his best for his domestic team and for his country.

"There are very important series coming up, to India and South Africa, and I want to put this behind me, start playing first-class cricket again and be mentally ready for the challenges in India and South Africa," Umar said.

He also insisted that he didn't miss matches for his department on purpose and had to skip some games because he had to go for the Hong Kong sixes and also attend his brother, Adnan's wedding in the second week of November.