ICC Initiates a Corruption Probe Against Umar Akmal

The ICC has initiated a probe against Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman, Umar Akmal. However, Umar claims of having been offered money to skip games during the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

I was offered money to miss games – Umar Akmal

However, Umar Akmal admitted in an interview that he was offered $2,00,000 for leaving two deliveries. He was also provided money to skip one match as well. Moreover, the Pakistan batsman didn’t take the money and was part of the team that took on India in Adelaide.

 “I was once offered $200,000 for leaving two deliveries. I was also offered to skip matches against India,”  Umar Akmal said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Umar was also involved in controversies several times in his playing career. Recently, during a first-class game, he was accused of using inappropriate language. He also got accused by his teammates of throwing balls at the opposition batsmen.

“Similar offers have been made in the past as well. In the matches with India, I’ve been told to make some excuse and opt out of the game for which I’d be paid but I have told those people that I am committed to Pakistan and to not approach me ever with such offers,” Umar Akmal added.

However, Akmal was withdrawn from the Pakistan squad a week before the 2017 Champions Trophy. Haris Sohail, moreover, replaced him. Umar had joined the team in England but had failed two times in the fitness tests and was handed a return ticket. Also, his relations with Pakistan head coach, Mickey Arthur hasn’t been too pleasing as well.

Furthermore, it is still not clear whether Umar Akmal has reported the incident to the anti-corruption unit or not. According to the ICC anti-corruption code, all corrupt approaches have to be informed by the players. If they fail to do so, then they are liable to be punished for a minimum period of five years.