LAHORE – Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal expressed disappointment after his brother Umar Akmal’s name was missing from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) player auction.
The auction, held on Wednesday in Lahore, saw the first inclusion of new teams in the league. Kamran Akmal took to X, tagging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), PSL, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He wrote, “Unfair system. Disappointed! Why was Umar Akmal’s name not in auction?”
The omission sparked reactions across social media. Some fans supported Kamran Akmal, saying Umar deserved a spot and had been actively practicing. Others questioned Umar Akmal’s recent match activity, asking about the number of domestic games he played in the past year.
Former cricketer Basit Ali also criticised the decision during a television show. “Umar Akmal’s name is not there, and honestly, that shocks me. With Pakistan’s middle order talent, I don’t see how Umar Akmal is being ignored,” he said.
Umar Akmal has been posting practice videos online but has not appeared in domestic tournaments recently. The debate highlights the challenges faced by former national players trying to re-enter top-level competitions.
The PSL 2026 auction featured eight teams for the first time. New franchises Hyderabad Houston Kingsman and Sialkot Stallionz joined the league. Multan Sultans, sold for Rs 2.45 billion after previous owner Ali Tareen left, have been renamed Rawalpindi.
The tournament is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026, promising exciting matches for cricket fans. Kamran Akmal’s remarks have drawn attention to the selection process, with calls for greater transparency in player inclusion.
In other news read more about PSL 2026 Player Auction Kicks Off with High-Profile Bids and Surprises
As Pakistan cricket enthusiasts await the season, the discussion around Umar Akmal and Kamran Akmal’s comments continues, reflecting fan passion and scrutiny over PSL’s player selection system.
