Umar Akmal Suspended Under PCB's Anti-Corruption Code
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday (February 20), suspended Umar Akmal with immediate effect under Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code. The sensational development comes just few days after the PCB confirmed that it would not ban Umar Akmal for having allegedly made crude remarks to a trainer during a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
In a statement released last week, the PCB had said that after concluding its proceedings into the alleged misconduct by Umar Akmal during a fitness test and after listening to all the parties involved, it was established that the incident happened due to misunderstanding.
“Umar Akmal has offered his regrets for his actions and the PCB has reprimanded him and also reminded him about his responsibilities as a senior cricketer,” the PCB had said. “The matter is now closed and the PCB and Umar Akmal will offer no further comments,” the statement concluded.
But the controversial batsman has now landed in hot water again as the PCB confirmed that he is banned from playing with immediate effect. A PCB statement announced the development, but didn’t reveal anything about the nature of the offence or the duration of the suspension.
The PCB stated that Umar Akmal cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit. The development means Umar Akmal will not be a part of Quetta Gladiators’ title defence at the Pakistan Super League, which starts later today. However, Quetta “are allowed to apply for Umar Akmal’s replacement”.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, the PCB will not make any further comments,” stated PCB.
The 26-year old last played a Test for his country in September, 2011, but has been in and out of the national squad for limited-overs internationals ever since. His last international appearance was in a T20 international against Sri Lanka in Lahore in October, 2019.
