No bigger match-winner than Umar Akmal in Pakistan: Raja

Ramiz Raja has lauded Quetta Gladiators batsman, Umar Akmal, for his fiery inning against Islamabad United on Sunday.

While giving his post-match analysis on a local talk show, former chairman PCB, hailed the right-handed batsman for his unbeaten 43 off 14 balls inning.

“Umar Akmal's story is a literal definition of great talent but wasted talent, unfortunately. However, there is a lesson for all the players, if you are not disciplined and if you cannot zip your mouth while playing, then there is a larger probability that you will be at the receiving end of injustice- quite an unfortunate scenario,” he said.

“He was one of my favorite players when he started cricket, and we all saw a glimpse today of how much talent he carries. He destroyed Islamabad United's finest bowling attack,” he added.

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Raja called Akmal the biggest match-winner, who has been a victim of carelessness and absence of discipline.

“I am not sure what the future holds for him - will he be able to become an asset for us or not, but in today's date, there is no bigger match-winner than Umar Akmal in Pakistan - playing at 6 or 7. There have been fitness issues with him, but there is a discipline problem as well. You are supposed to play cricket with blinkers on; once you quit playing cricket, you are free to give any kind of opinion. He needs to control his quarreling attitude,” he said.