ICC Probes Umar Akmal's Claims of Getting Approached by Bookmakers

World Cricket Body International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to investigate Umar Akmal’s claims of getting approached by bookmakers. Thus, the out of favor Pakistan batsman can find himself in choppy waters if he is proved guilty in the near future.

Meanwhile, Umar. who is struggling to get his place back in the Pakistan national team had said that he was approached by bookies a couple of years back.

Interestingly, the right-handed batsman Umar claimed he was offered a hefty amount by the bookmakers.

ICC wants to speak to Umar Akmal at the earliest:

Umar was offered $200,000 for just leaving two balls. Furthermore, the talented batsman was given an offer of skipping the matches against arch-rivals India.

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

As per the ICC’s Anti Corruption Code’s (ACC) article 2.4.4 and 2.4.5, every International player should report all the corrupt approaches to the governing body.

If a player fails to reveal the secret, he can be punished for a period of five years.

Subsequently, an ICC spokesperson said they have launched their investigation into the case. Therefore, they would like to have a chat with Umar for the further development into the case.

“The ICC is aware of a recent interview given by Umar Akmal. Whilst we not that there is no suggestion that any fix actually took place, the ICC is reliant on players to report any corrupt approaches in a timely manner,” said an ICC spokesman in a release.

 

“We are taking Akmal’s comments very seriously. We have launched an investigation and wish to speak to Mr. Akmal as matter of urgency,” the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has served a show-cause notice to Umar and he is summoned to appear for it before June 27.

However, as Umar Akmal has himself claimed that he was approached by the bookies. But the chances are low of any corrupt steps taken by the batsman.