Umar Akmal makes surprise departure to US for better opportunities

Out of favour Pakistan batsman, Umar Akmal has made a sudden departure to the US. Speculations are rife that Akmal is interested in playing cricket in the country. Recently, several cricketers, including India cricketer Unmukt Chand, and New Zealand’s Corey Anderson have moved to the US to play Major Cricket League. Reports of few other international stars making a deal with USA cricket is doing rounds. Akmal took to Twitter as revealed he is leaving for the US for personal meetings.

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"I am travelling to US for some personal meetings if all goes well I might have to stay there for some time! I need my supporters to pray for me like they have always prayed.

In a bid to improve cricket in their country, USA cricket recently launched Major Cricket League. With lucrative deals on offer, many international stars who have been ignored for the national team are mulling over making a move to the US.

In August 2020, the Chairman Disciplinary Panel had found Akmal guilty of two separate breaches of Article 2.4.4 of PCB’s Anti Corruption Code in two different incidents and suspended him for three years. Apologizing for his mistake, the batter said, "Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake which caused damage to my cricket and career. I learnt a lot during this time and due to that mistake Pakistan cricket's reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness from the PCB and from cricket fans around the world," Akmal said in a video released by the PCB.

PCB allowed Akmal to play domestic cricket as part of his rehabilitation process citing that Akmal expressed remorse over his actions and even attended the anti-corruption lectures. Akmal was touted as one of the most talented batters from the country. However, he failed to convert the potential into performances. The wicketkeeper-batter played 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 1,003, 3,194 and 1,690 runs respectively