Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has expressed disappointment over the behaviour of former teammate Zulqarnain Haider, alleging that Haider has resumed contentious conduct despite Akmal’s earlier gestures of goodwill during his recovery from a life-threatening illness.
In a recent interview, Akmal revealed he had chosen not to pursue legal action against Haider, citing the wicketkeeper’s financial difficulties as a key reason for his restraint.
“I have no resentment towards anyone. If I wanted I could have sent him a legal notice but I did not as I was aware of his financial situation,” Akmal said.
Akmal also shared that he was among the first visitors to Haider during his serious illness in 2022 and even extended financial support, motivated by encouragement from his wife.
“My wife was the first among those people who motivated me to take that initiative,” Akmal stated.
“Recently, when he recovered, he once again has started doing the same things and I think that shows how people are but I will still take it positively.”
The attempted reconciliation in 2022 was significant as it appeared to mend long-standing tensions between the two cricketers.
Haider had previously accused Akmal of undermining his career, an allegation that contributed to their public fallout.
Zulqarnain Haider, once a promising wicketkeeper, became a controversial figure after abruptly leaving the Pakistan national team during a 2010 tour in Dubai, citing threats to his safety.
Though he later returned to domestic cricket, he never regained his place at the international level.
As of Tuesday, neither Haider nor the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has publicly responded to Akmal’s latest remarks.
