Akmal blasts Pakistan media for highlighting controversies

Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has launched a stinging attack against his country's media for constantly highlighting negative stories about him and spoiling his name in every little situation.

The swashbuckling batsman made a promising debut in 2009, when he absolutely thrashed bowlers in the domestic circuit.

Akmal also smashed blistering 102 runs in the third ODI of his debut series against Sri Lanka before introducing himself in the Test arena in a similar manner, scoring a brilliant 129 and 75 against New Zealand at Dunedin in November 2009.

The 26-year-old, however, has been stuttering with form in the recent times, with possibilities of scoring big runs have now become a rare occurrence.

Blaming the media for his inconsistent performance, Akmal believes he would be able to perform better if journalist stop turning every little issue into a big deal, the Dawn reported.

Akmal further slammed media, saying that the cricketers try to cope with the controversies while media seems to thrive on it.

The right-hander has not been picked in the Test squad for the upcoming series against England and was also ignored for the recent country's boot camp at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, but he still remains hopeful to get a nod in the limited-overs format.

Akmal further insisted that he needs an another chance to prove his mettle in the international cricket and to cement his place in the national squad.

Akmal, along with Ahmed Shehzad, was dropped from the national squad for the upcoming tour of England over disciplinary issues by the newly-appointed chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Pakistan are scheduled to play four Tests, five ODIs and one-off T20 international against England from July to September.