Umar Akmal not faking injury: Intikhab

E-Paper | June 24, 2026

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cricket world cup, 2011 world cup, world cup 2011, shahid afridi, pakistan world cup, world cup pakistan, umar akmal, kamran akmal

Some sections of the Pakistani media have accused Umar of feigning injury to save Kamran. -Photo by AP

PALLEKELE: Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam denied on Saturday that Umar Akmal had faked a finger injury in a desperate bid to save his blundering brother Kamran's place in the team.

Umar, who has been tipped to take the wicket-keeping gloves from his elder brother for Monday's World Cup match against Zimbabwe, hurt his index finger on his right hand in practice two days ago.

But some sections of the Pakistani media have accused him of feigning injury to save Kamran.

Team management accused Umar of feigning injury after the infamous Sydney Test against Australia in January 2010, a Test in which Kamran missed three catches off century maker Michael Hussey and a run out of Shane Watson.

Then, Umar reportedly refused to play if his brother was dropped.

Abdul Raqeeb, who was team manager on that disastrous tour, mentioned the incident in his report which eventually led to fines for both Kamran and Umar.

But Alam insisted there is nothing sinister in 20-year-old Umar's World Cup injury.

“There is no such thing and we will wait and see how the injury heals,” said Alam.

Kamran came under fire for his sloppy work behind the stumps against New Zealand on Tuesday when he missed two chances off Ross Taylor before the Kiwi batsman went on to smash a match-winning century.

“Umar has pain when he bends the finger and there was slight swelling but since scans revealed no fracture we will wait until the morning of the match against Zimbabwe,” said Alam of Pakistan's Group A game on Monday.

Umar missed training for the second day in a row, raising doubts over his availability for the match.

Pakistan need a win against Zimbabwe to qualify for the quarter-final stages.

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Abdul Qayyum from uk

Mar 12, 2011 06:56pm

If Umer has the guilty then definitely he should be punish, and should be drop from the team there and then. He is one of the lucky from 17000000 that is representing the country, if he makes the such funny things just to secure his elder brother thn i think both should be drop and must be send to paksitan on the next available flight. If they don't want to play for pakistan then there lot of other players who want to play for pakistan. then the other guys who want to play only for paksitan not for their brothers should be given the chance. If we can play without Muhammad Amir and Muhammad Asif and Mashallah wiing the match then we should not have any ecxcuse to drop these brothers. May Allah help us in every field of life. Pakistan Zindabad

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Nadeen P

Mar 12, 2011 07:11pm

With due respect both brothers are typical Pakistani blackmailers.They are disgrace to themselve and to the nation like his President.

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Abdullah Hussain

Mar 12, 2011 07:23pm

Who will be so innocent to believe this. In the past Umer Akmal had openly came out to protect his brother's cause. These Akmal brothers have taken the entire cricket authority as hostage. If Kamran Akmal is allowed to play the remaining matches and if he again shows stupidity with his gloves, Intikhab & Waqar shall be held responsible. The entire print & electronic media are full of criticism for Kamran Akmal. It is better to loose without him than to give him another chance. The YouTube is full of Kamran’s blunder. Most of the matches Pakistan lost in the near past was because of this rubbish player. Some body has to take the responsibility for the untold miseries the Pakistanis are facing due to repeated failures. Cricket is not just a game in Pakistan, it is much more than that.

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Muhammad

Mar 12, 2011 08:19pm

History repeat but in Pakistan nobody is to learn lesson from it, those who only play for money not for ,should be removed from Mr. Butt to Akmal brothers.

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Fan2

Mar 12, 2011 08:53pm

It's time to stand against blackmail and let both brother rest for a while until they are both physically and mentally healed.

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Fan2

Mar 12, 2011 08:55pm

Its time to stand against blackmail and let both brothers rest for a while until both are physically and mentally healed. Reply

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Mudassar Chudhary

Mar 12, 2011 09:02pm

Managment should have sensed this problem before world cup and resolved the issue in shape of solid alternative to Kamran Akmal. Mangement should not let any type of hegemonic design to develope. Let not punish the kamran only, throw away the Umar Akmal out on disciplinary ground. Akmals should endeavour to broaden up their thinking and think of nationhood instead of brotherhood else face the music

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Ali

Mar 12, 2011 09:20pm

Finger Injury? What nonsense. Ironic how management did not learn from 'Sydney Disobedience Coalition'? I am sure there is a strong case against Umar being tried for Treason. Mishaps happen but this is a blatant Akmals monopoly in team.

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Impala

Mar 12, 2011 09:29pm

Here we go again. Another brilliant performance by the Akmals'. Pakistan has no hope in this tournament so lets expirement without the two heroes. Drop them both. Also consider playing without Akhtar. And Afridi must come in AFTER Razzak. Let the practise commence.

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Electron

Mar 12, 2011 09:30pm

Khuda ke wastay sudhar jaao!!! Pakistan need to get rid off both brothers and off course Mr Ejazz too, other wise, be ready for unexpected !!!

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Muhammad Zeeshan

Mar 12, 2011 10:49pm

This is not something new and has been done in the past. PCB should call their bluff and let both of them go. Akmal brothers are a disgrace

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Aqil Siddiqi

Mar 12, 2011 11:02pm

Good idea. Drop these two, and let that be a lesson for all those, who tries to compromise with integrity and our hopes. Also drop Akhtar too, as Wahab is a much better option. The way things are going, I don't think, we can go too far in this world cup, and only because of our inept PCB and selfish players.

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Akas

Mar 12, 2011 11:04pm

This is Pakistan team, reflection of Pakistan.

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sak

Mar 12, 2011 11:06pm

National pride/interest should be above petty personal pride/interest. Cricket is a team sport and a team is more important than the individual. WAKE UP WHERE IS YOUR NATIONAL PRIDE?

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Kesar

Mar 12, 2011 11:10pm

Pakistan deserve every thing they get. Inept politician choosing inept PCB chairmen who then chooses inept team officials who in turn choose inept players. It is not just the Akmal brothers, the whole set up stinks of mediocrity.

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shahid mohammed

Mar 12, 2011 11:18pm

Hello and Salaam, People who think that the Akmals' are good for Pakistan should get a reality check. In my opinion the brothers Akmal had a sinister hand in the curious case of Zulkernain Haider. From the Sydney test fiasco. Umar not only threatened to not play if elder brother was dropped, but then later fained a hamstring injury as to get Kamran reinstated. The Akmal family have their priorities too wrong and not to the benefit of national side. Any other RESPECTABLE test nation would have dropped and disciplined the pair. Many thanks.

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Husain

Mar 12, 2011 11:49pm

It's time for Pakistan to find new wicket keeper. He missed too many chances and cost Pakistan a winning opportunity. I am sure we can find one good keeper in whole country.

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zubi khan

Mar 12, 2011 11:55pm

we do't want cup just want discipline first

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NAVEED

Mar 12, 2011 11:56pm

First time true

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Friendly

Mar 13, 2011 12:13am

Dear Brothers, I think this time pakistan may not even qualify even to the Quarters if these brothers are there, I am not sure why the team management is not taking any action on them, Are they the only players in pakistan, I think i was in a wrong assumption that Pakistan has the best talent in the world instead it is rules by politicians like Ejaz Bhatt and akmal brothers

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shaki

Mar 13, 2011 12:15am

Both brothers must be kicked out of the team immediately and replaced asked from PCB

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GunsForNuns

Mar 13, 2011 12:33am

What's next? Holding the team for ransom? Anyone care to explain PCB the definition of insanity as they seem to have forgotten AUS tour last year..

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Azeem

Mar 13, 2011 12:38am

There should be no compromise on discipline. Throw both the brothers out of team and try Asad Shafiq as a Wicketkeeper. This is team of Pakistan, not Akmal brothers team.

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Mran raja

Mar 13, 2011 12:47am

I think with this all the players of Pakistan should be literate enough that they know the meaning of representating their country and participate in the game for the dignity of country.

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shahid

Mar 13, 2011 01:40am

Throw both of them out of team. They are acting like thugs. PCB and management should have the final say who should and shouldnt play.

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Mirza Ghouse Baig

Mar 13, 2011 02:36am

Have these two decided to have A TEAM WITHIN THE TEAM BAN THEM FOR MINIMUM 10 YEARS PLEASE, THEY ARE WORST THAN ASIF IN FUTURE DO NOT EVER SELECT TWO BROTHER IN THE SAME TEAM.

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dil jal raha hai

Mar 13, 2011 03:15am

I just done get it. This opportunity(world cup) comes after 4 years. People wait for this and get involved so passionately in the whole thing and then comes two brothers who are bent on staying in the team. Can we not rise above ourself for this country or do we have to suffer again and again. It was a God sent help in the form of removal of salman, aamir and asif but now these two ----. what a pity. I wish scotland yard had had nabbed kamran akmal as well.

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zeeshan

Mar 13, 2011 04:01am

The Pakistani team is hopeless and I doubt that they will win the match against Zimbabwe, not because of talent but of politics. We need to do a major overhaul with the team selection and management.All players should be selected purely on merit and thats what makes the Australian team great. Pakistani team should consider a replacement for Kamran , we are sure to find a more talented wicketkepper. The Ukmal brothers could potentially bring Pakistan's hope to a disaster if this monopoply persists.

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Faisal

Mar 13, 2011 04:08am

Perhaps, Umer and Kamran can both be fired and our bench can finall be utilized! How long must a nation suffer fools?

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zahid

Mar 13, 2011 04:17am

its time to stand against corruption and blackmailing,,,,if there is any such thing pls throw them out of the world cup even if v loose to zimbabwe,,,it doesnt matter bt at least next time no body will do it again....v ve to think like a nation there is no place here for brotherhood only nationalism and it should nt b tolerated.

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bleedgreen

Mar 13, 2011 04:42am

Pakistan team management doesn't realize that Asad Shafiq used to keep wickets in domestic circuit? He is a legit middle order batsman we need and a keeper. Play Him!

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fuad ahmad

Mar 13, 2011 04:44am

These brothers are a bunch of blackmailers.How is it possible that Pakistan does not have a good wicketkeeper?Or is it some sort of hidden hands who are backing these good for nothing brothers.

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ibrahim

Mar 13, 2011 06:03am

you are right!just throw these traitors out of team,how they can be so mean???they think of themselves only,not of nation..its very sad.kick them out and teach them lessons!

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Zulfiqar

Mar 13, 2011 06:31am

Umar Akmal is a raw talent and he needs to be nurtured, unfortunately he's being nurtured by his brother. They need to separate the two. Send Kamran home and let Umar swim on his own.

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faizah

Mar 13, 2011 06:38am

If Umar is faking this injury, then obviously it will not be the first time. The Pak management need to give the Akmal boys the boot. This type of behaviour will only spread negativity within the team and nothing else. It is the last thing that they need!

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Bishnujee Singh

Mar 13, 2011 06:52am

Good if both of them injured,then replace them with two fresh players.Anyway Kamran seems to be lacking skills to do duties of wicket keeper.No fixing,he just doesn't has the skills to do the job.He has lost confidence in batting too.So just replace them with fit players.

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Aftab

Mar 13, 2011 07:53am

Our cricket team is a perfect picture of Pakistan government. Corrupt, disfunctional and no one is held accountable. In any other country both Akmal brothers would not be playing cricker especially Kamran. The whole world says that Kamran is a terrible wicket keeper and Pakistan had lost so many series because of him but for some reasons he stays. GO FIGURE

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Faisal Khan

Mar 13, 2011 09:13am

If Inthikab Alam is right than where is the fighting spirit. There are several incidents in the past where Pakistani Players have played with injuries for the sake of the Country. This little injury without a fracture is Just FAKE ! Pakistani Officials are full of lies even in Sports and some Players like Akmal brothers should be banned for good.

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nasir butt

Mar 13, 2011 10:48am

Apart from the inability of Kamran's keeping ...I wonder why both the brothers start acting up when one is about to be dropped .. whats the law on treason in pakistan ....any ways !! any one ?

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Rahul

Mar 13, 2011 11:20am

Why cant PCB take some bold decision? why these players blackmail the country. I am an Indian but its pain seeing such talented team going this way. Please through these players in Bay of Bengal. Because Country is first individual later.

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Rizwan

Mar 13, 2011 12:55pm

i think pakistan team has loose all his confidence and they think only akmal brother can do for them. After this drama i dont see pakistan a good and fighting team in remaining matches. GOD bless cricket team like GOD blessing on our Pakistan and its people.

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A well wisher

Mar 13, 2011 01:23pm

I agree with the suggestion that is primarily comming in the comments. Lets get rid of Akmal brothers. Even if we do not win the cup but if we are successful in cleaning the mess (though i think it will be unlikely, thanks to our short sightedness) I will be happy. Umar has done in past and if he is doing it again it should not be tolerated at any cost. Losing the match after a true fight does not give pain but losing dignity is more painful. I wish Pakistan team learn this. We are with the team even if they lose provided they have not compromised on their dignity and given a true fight.

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Mansoor

Mar 13, 2011 03:07pm

Both Akmals shall be sent home and banned from domestic and international cricket for life. They are the blackmailers and now I strongly believe that Akmal's gang made Zulqarnain haider to leave pak cricket and seek asylum in uk.

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Jamil Minhaz

Mar 13, 2011 04:09pm

Kamran dropped Mike Hussey thrice whose innings ultimately won the game for Australia. He did again by dropping Taylor twice whose innings was the difference between two teams. These are no coincidence. He has link with bookies. PCB's refusal to drop him despite of inconsistent performances during last three year brings up the huge question about the integrity of PCB officers. Are they linked to bookies too ?

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Ahmad jan

Mar 13, 2011 05:31pm

Don't they know it's bigger then one person. They are playing for national team. Shahid afraid should be more like Imran khan and do what Imran did to saleem yousaf and get rid of them so they are never seen again. Don't you two brothers have any shame? It's bigger then anyone person or two people.

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m. ishtiaq

Mar 13, 2011 06:57pm

Both Akmals shall be sent home and banned from domestic and international cricket for life

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jameel

Mar 13, 2011 07:25pm

I agree with you bro...Both brothers are like a virus in the team. Both should be kicked out of all forms of cricket.

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Akber Hassan

Mar 13, 2011 07:42pm

Kamran brother to keep country 1st then personal aim.Play should be for Pakistan not to save each other.

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Luqman B.

Mar 13, 2011 08:17pm

It's time to take bold decisions in Pakitan. But I do not except anything good from current management. They did not resign after the biggest debacle of our cricket history. This BUTT is a chief destroyer of Pakistan cricket. He will leave when his mission is completet - Pak cricket is totally destroyed. I would drop both Akmals and install Asad Shafiq as a wicket keeper. We are doing fine without the 3 fixers and indiscplined former captains and happy to be where we are. And we will be much more relieved if honest, disciplined and deserving people played for Pakistan. Winning or losing the secondary point. Only merit should count. I also wonder if Zulqarnain Haider was threatened by people linked to ...

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Luqman B.

Mar 13, 2011 08:20pm

Zulfiqar Sahib: please don't be naive. He will always listen to his family and brother. If he is not self-respecting national of Pakistan to play for his country but for his brother, there should be no other way but to show him the door. Point.

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Showkat

Mar 13, 2011 08:20pm

Pakistani team has to take some bold decision's by throwing akmal brothers out of world cup and they should be banned for life time for the sake of pakistani cricket... They plays for money not for country...

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Razak Munir

Mar 13, 2011 10:07pm

How can we trust these young guns when they sell themself for some money? Why the hell did it happen like this to our magnificient team? currupted polititions, so do our cricketers.. There is lot to be learned from Indian team...

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tenzin

Mar 13, 2011 11:20pm

i am neither Indian nor Pakistani fan. i hope, i can judge better than those crazy fans. i believe, any board should take very cautious in including two brothers in same national team. Its human natural to support your relatives no matter who is right. Dropping one Patan from Indian squad is right way that Indian board did. i hope rest of the board should take that lesson. Irfan Patan exclusion from Indian team doesn't mean he is worst than current most of the bowlers in Indian team. But thats right thing to do.

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FARAKH

Mar 14, 2011 12:19am

i think pcb should be ashamed of themselves cos they let these things happen and dont care.umar akmal has done it before and he is doing it again its like we are family type of thing.i think managment w younis should step in and take control before its too late like every time before.players please play like a team.

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tatasingh

Mar 14, 2011 12:28am

They are doing politics and fixing..Bring Asad Shafiq / Fawad Alam to replace these losers..and send akmals to butt/asif/ amir..

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Friendly

Mar 14, 2011 01:15am

My Dear Brothers, We keep shouting and can't do anything, It is pakistan politics that is playing all around. I 100% beleive that these Akmal brothers are behing Zulqarnain, He demonstrated his skills and these brothers wanted to oust him and that's what they did. I can't beleive myseld how Kamran akmal is able to get the clearance from ICC. don't you think this is mere politics. Despite performing worst from past several years how come pakistan team are tolerating him, Very very ridiculous. Shame on pakistan selectors, Especially Ijaz Bhatt. Bring Imran Khan like guys if you want to see good cricket in pakistan

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Pak1st

Mar 14, 2011 01:19am

Same story being repeated over and over again, if you want to fix this you 1st have to start from the source and Kick Ijazz Butt out of PCB and then everything else will follow.

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Shahbaaz

Mar 14, 2011 01:43am

PCB is behaving like a corrupt organization by supporting the Akmal brothers. Both Akmals need to be kicked out of the Pak team and banned for life. This will send a strong message to all the players that no one is above the game. It is a pride that they represent pakistan but they are bringing shame and disgrace to the entire nation. PCB should stop behaving like a sissy. Ijaz Butt should be kicked out also. Aren't there any honest people left in Pak Cricket?

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safdar

Mar 14, 2011 01:51am

In a country full of talent, PCB picked three from one family. this tells us some thing. first of all i feel sorry for myself and then for every other fan who have to put up with this. I cannt believe they are getting away with this for so long.kamran akmal will come back and will play a brilliant inning and take few good catches and all well untill he gets a call from mazher majeed again.if you want to put an end to it, strike is the only option

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Clash

Mar 14, 2011 05:38am

OMG- These brothers are playing for eachother instead of nation, they are nothing but "Traitor". Both of them should be fired and banned for life immediately.

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Rauf

Mar 14, 2011 11:18am

the brothers probably want Adnan to come in the team as wicket keeper.they want Kamran as opener umar as middle order batsman and adnan as Wicketkeeper. Kamran will continue to miss the stumping and catching behind but he will try to improve his batting to make way for Adnan. can i know how many more brothers they have who are playing cricket.

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Fan2

Mar 14, 2011 11:40am

He is too old to learn. Both Kamran and Umar are product of nepotism and that needs to end. Umar is corrupt and incorrigible. I bet there is a ban looming for him from ICC just like Asif and co. Mark my words.

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Aftab Mian

Mar 14, 2011 11:51am

What is that saying "You fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me." Kamran and Umar need to be dealt with. Show them the door We don’t need them. It can’t get any worse than what Kamran has displayed as his wicket keeping performance. Ejaz Butt is nothing but a joke all over the cricketing world. It's a big country with some very intelligent people around. Is this the best Pakistan can offer?? What’s wrong with you people?

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Herewego2

Mar 14, 2011 11:55am

Akmal bros, Intikhab and Ejaz need to go. We never needed them we don't want them now and we will never need them again. They blew way too many chances. Ejaz Butt can not manage.

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Abdullah Hussain

Mar 14, 2011 03:55pm

Dear Friendly. I fully agree with your point of view. I have written several letters on this subject but un-fortunately these letters are not going past the moderator's desk. If you see, incompetency is the biggest problems Pakistan is facing today. From top to bottom you see incompetent peoples playing destructive games through their stupidity.

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Abdullah Hussain

Mar 14, 2011 06:34pm

Akmal brothers can fake anything to protect their interest. We have seen this in the past and we will continue to see it in the future if the duo is allowed to continue. There should be a thorough inquiry about Zulqarnain departure from the cricket scene of Pakistan. Don’t dis-allow this post from appearing.

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