I hope Sharif family will give me a chance to make comeback in cricket: Umar Akmal

Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal, who last featured in an international match in 2019, said that only the Sharif family will give him a chance to make a comeback in the national cricket setup.

Akmal was suspended by the PCB in 2020 for violating the anti-corruption rules. He was banned for three years.

However, he filed an appeal to the International Court of Arbitration after which his sentence was reduced to 12 months. 

Since then, the wicketkeeper batter has been sidelined by the cricket body.

Talking to a private news channel, Akmal expressed his gratitude to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz for "giving him time".

The cricketer also lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not giving him a chance to make a comeback in the national team.

"I was not allowed to play cricket for a long time. Some seniours in PCB are getting personal with me," he said.

Reflecting on his meeting with Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, Akmal said that he requested the three-time prime minister to give him a chance. 

"After Allah, I have faith in the Sharif family. if I get a chance, I will make a comeback in international cricket," he added.

Last year in August, Akmal also met Nawaz Sharif at his residence in London.

Akmal has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is. He has also played World Cups for Pakistan.