Umar Akmal, middle-order batsman for the Pakistan cricket team, expressed his profound gratitude towards the Sharif family, emphasizing his reliance on them after Allah. Speaking during an interview on Samaa, Akmal acknowledged the support he received from Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, stating they consistently provided him with valuable time. Akmal lamented his prolonged absence from cricket due to unspecified personal issues and alleged mistreatment by senior figures in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He asserted his readiness to stage a comeback in international cricket, citing his performance and appeals to Maryam Nawaz for assistance. Last year, Akmal visited London to meet Nawaz Sharif, expressing optimism that Sharif’s return would benefit cricket, hinting at a request made for his own benefit. Akmal’s last appearance for Pakistan was in a match against Sri Lanka in 2019.