Coach Arthur abused me, claims Akmal

KARACHI: Pakistanbatsman,Umar Akmal has claimed that chief coach Mickey Arthur abused him during an argument at the national cricket academy in Lahore. “I stand by what I told the media earlier today. Mickey Arthur first used poor language and then abused me. Inzamam bhai and Mushtaq bhai (Ahmed) are both witness to this incident at the NCA,” said Umar on Wednesday.

The altercation took place between Umar and Arthur after the former returned from England following a rehabilitation programme for a knee problem. Umar said he went to the academy after informing batting coach, Grant Flower about his need to practice. “When I reached there, first Grant and then our physio, Grant Luden refused to accommodate me saying they were only working with the centrally contracted players. I then went to Mickey and he told he was instructed only to work with the contracted players,” Umar said.

“He then told me go and speak to Inzamam and Mushtaq. I went to them and spoke to them. They explained things to me about my status and reminded me I had failed the fitness test several times. They advised me to listen to what was being said to me. I said okay and than they told me go and talk to Mickey again,” Umar recalled.

The Pakistan batsman said it was the second time when he went to Arthur to ask him to allow him to train with the coaches that he lost his cool.

“First he asked me what I was doing at the academy. He then told me I should go and play club cricket. And then he used poor and abusive language. I can toler- ate anything but I don’t think anyone has the right to use such language,” Umar said.

“I want to know that after I was dropped for the West Indies tour did I complain or blame anyone? I admitted I needed to work harder on my fitness,” he said.

“When I was sent back from the Champions Trophy which was a humiliating experience for me I didn’t say anything or speak in the media.

“I went to England for rehabilitation and remained positive. But today I went to the media because the head coach used bad language and he has no right to do this with any player.”