Umar Akmal benched by SNGPL after poor conduct

Cricketer storms out after being told he will not be playing.

KARACHI: President’s Trophy table-toppers SNGPL benched national team player Umar Akmal from their President’s Trophy seventh-round match against PIA in Lahore on disciplinary grounds yesterday.

The Express Tribune has learnt that Umar had snubbed the team management request to appear in their crucial fifth-round match against ZTBL, and instead opted to take part in the wedding preparations of his brother Adnan.

“Umar refused to play when SNGPL wanted him,” a member of the SNGPL team management told The Express Tribune. “He doesn’t own the team. He’ll only be given a chance if we need him. We want to send out a strong message that no individual is bigger than the team and indiscipline will not be tolerated.

“He hasn’t been doing well for the last few months and instead of working hard to get back in form, he’s overlooking his duties. He’s lucky to survive in the national side as it is and should be working hard.”

Following the decision, Umar left the ground and held a press conference stating that his family was his priority.

Adnan was also omitted from the playing-XI as Muhammad Rizwan’s good show forced the management not to tinker with the winning line-up.

Meanwhile, on the field, SNGPL laboured to 160 for four in 63.4 overs as play was called off early due to bad light. Ali Waqas was unbeaten on 68 after Anwar Ali had taken three wickets for PIA.

In another match, HBL clawed back against UBL after being bowled out for just 193, reducing the opponents to 58 for five at stumps, courtesy two wickets apiece from Ehsan Adil and Abdul Ameer in Rawalpindi. Humayun Farhat scored 79 for HBL as UBL’s Rumman Raees bagged a five-for.

SBP made 261 for eight against ZTBL with half-centuries from Gulraiz Sadaf (69) and Kashif Siddiq (53), as Sohail Tanvir bagged six wickets at the Diamond ground in Islamabad.

NBP were in trouble against Wapda after they were bowled out for 164. In reply, Wapda made 44 for no loss. In another match, KRL scored 266 for eight in 81.4 over against PQA.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2012.