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"Courage To Continue": Umar Akmal Sweats Hard For Dream Pakistan Comeback In Asia Cup

Akshita Patel

Umar Akmal aiming for Pakistan comeback [Source: @Umar96Akmal/X.com]Umar Akmal aiming for Pakistan comeback [Source: @Umar96Akmal/X.com]

Out-of-favour cricketer Umar Akmal is training hard in the gym to regain match fitness as he refuses to give up his dream of making a comeback into the Pakistan cricket team. Weeks ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, Akmal’s post has hinted at his desire to play the T20I format.

The 2025 Asia Cup will be played from September 9 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with Afghanistan, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Bangladesh and Oman scheduled to feature in the T20I tournament. 

Umar Akmal Desperate For Comeback, Trains Hard For Asia Cup

Meanwhile, veteran Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal, 35, has posted a cryptic video on his social media. In the video, he is seen training hard in the gym, including weightlifting and strength training.

His workout plans clearly hint at his desire to regain shape and fitness satisfactory enough to open doors for a comeback into the Pakistan cricket team. The Asia Cup is just around the corner, and perhaps Akmal wants to put his name into the mix.

Umar Akmal's tweet [Source: @Umar96Akmal/X.com]Umar Akmal's tweet [Source: @Umar96Akmal/X.com]

Interestingly, Umar Akmal made an emotional plea to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a comeback earlier this year, stating he has just 4-5 years of cricket left in him. The 35-year-old last played for Pakistan back in 2019 and told of his frustration at being ignored despite attempts to get in touch.

Akmal’s Troublesome Past Hindering His Comeback

Despite a promising start in 2009 with a Test century on debut, Umar Akmal’s career was derailed by controversies and disciplinary issues. In 2020, he was banned for failing to report corrupt approaches, a suspension that was later reduced from three years to one on appeal. 

His feud with then-head coach Mickey Arthur and former selector Inzamam-ul-Haq in 2017 further strained his ties with the board, though Akmal insists he’s still committed to Pakistan cricket.

Although Akmal participated in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the PSL, he was not selected for the 2024 season and hasn’t played domestic cricket in over a year. Akmal's last major appearance was in the President's Trophy where he made 517 runs in 13 innings.