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10 most overrated players in the history of cricket 

Pakistan v United Arab Emirates - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
There have been many overrated cricketers over the years

Now, this is a sort of topic which is obviously a difficult proposition for anyone. But, as everyone knows, there are certain players in all sports who are rated too highly and often it is not perhaps a true reflection of their gifts as a sportsman. In that regard, cricket is no different.

However, it needs to be pointed out that ‘overrated’ does not actually mean ‘bad’ or ‘poor’, but simply that the player is perhaps praised disproportionately in relation to his exploits as a cricketer.

Hence, certain cricketers, who were actually pretty excellent are included in this list and it is in no way, an attempt to downplay their achievements.


#10 Umar Akmal

Australia v Pakistan - ODI Game 3
Umar Akmal failed to live up to the expectations

When he first came along, Kamran Akmal’s younger brother Umar looked like a truly superb talent, who could have turned into one of Pakistan’s top batsmen for years to come.

However, it seems the batsman brought into his own hype, as several sections of the Pakistani media hailed him as the next great. But, he never quite kicked on to become the batsman that many hoped he would.

Needless to say, he can be a flashy player at times and a treat to watch, but he never really was in the same league as some of the former Pakistani greats or the great batsmen of the game who were still in business.

An average of 34.59 in 116 ODIs, 35.82 in 16 Tests, and 26.82 in 82 T20Is, is proof that he did not make good on the ample opportunities that he was given.

Additionally, only 1 Test century and 2 ODI centuries, is also a testament to the fact that Akmar perhaps lacks the temperament to play the long innings. 

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