Team unaffected by Umar Akmal fiasco, says coach Waqar

SHARJAH: Pakistan cricket team’s head-coach, Waqar Younis on Sunday vowed to stage a comeback in ongoing ODI series after losing the second day-night international against England on Friday, saying the team is unaffected by reports of Umar Akmal’s alleged involvement in ‘immoral activities’.

Speaking exclusively to Geo News, he said they only came to know about the debacle through the media.

Akmal was served a show-cause notice by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the media reports of his alleged involvement in immoral activities in Hyderabad.

Commenting over ongoing ODI series – currently stands leveled at 1-1 with two more matches to go – Waqar said the series was open for both sides and vowed to make a comeback in the third day-nighter in Sharjah on Tuesday.

Criticizing the poor display by batsmen in Friday’s encounter, he said the team was looking out for reliable openers who can score quickly while saving their wickets at the same time.

“Ahmed Shahzad is included in the 16-member squad…he is likely to get a chance soon,” said the Pakistani coach, answering a question regarding Shahzad’s absence from the first two matches.

Commenting over Younis Khan’s sudden announcement of retirement from one-day cricket, he said the news had stunned him. The coach however added that he wanted to see Khan completing 10,000 runs in Test matches.