Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq has shared advice for the talented Pakistani batsmen Umar Akmal via a video conference with the reporters.  Misbah wants the player to change his attitude and show more dedication or commitment towards the game. Umar can only get a chance to play for the national team once again if he shows the commitments mentioned by thee former player turned coach.  Misbah also spoke on the talent and potential of Umar Akmal and what he needs to do for becoming a better professional cricketer.  He wants the batsman to reassess his priorities.

“If Umar thinks he can play in the same mode as he is today, it will be difficult for him. He needs to show total commitment and focus to become a regular member of the side,” Misbah said.

The PCB has the power to ban the youngest Akmal brother from between 6-month s or a lifetime ban for not reporting the incident where bookies had approached the player. Although, some insider sources have mentioned that the Cricket board might ban the player for a period of 12 months and also fine the player a one million rupees as the player had already admitted his mistake.

Umar made an impressive debut for Pakistan in 2009 scoring a century in his maiden Test in New Zealand and was expected to be the future of Pakistan cricket.

ALSO READ: Yuzvendra Chahal Feels Mumbai Indians Still Miss Him

Umar Akmal and his brother Kamran both have had the privilege of playing cricket for their nation. While Umar Akmal played with less regularity in the Green jersey, his brother and former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal have been a mainstay for the Pakistan National team playing while Kamran has featured in 57 ODIs, 53 Tests and 57 T20Is.

Umar Akmal’s off the field disciplinary issues have seen the talented batsman feature in just 121 ODIs,  84 T20Is and just 16 Tests in a decade long career.

Umar’s off the field antics did not help him as the player developed very poor relationships with previous Pakistan coaches. Waqar Younis and Mickey Arthur had mentioned the player’s lack of cricket discipline as a major issue in his development as a cricketer.

Misbah during his tie as the Test captain of the Pakistani national team between 2010-2017 has also been hesitant in calling him up for the red-ball format. it is quite clear as Umar’s last test appearance goes way back in 2011 against Zimbabwe.

ALSO READ: Umar Akmal has to decide his own fate, says Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq has backed Umar Akmal to still have the ability and serve Pakistan cricket for a few more years. The coach said that it could only happen if the 29-year-old batsman shows more Discipline and commitment.

“He also has to work very hard on his fitness and show everyone he is very much interested in playing for a long time for Pakistan,” Misbah said.