Karachi: The latest controversy, surrounding Umar Akmal, has come to a conclusion with three-match ban and a hefty Pak Rupees 1 million fine on the right-handed batsman. Furthermore the maverick cricketer has to sit out of the foreign leagues, matches and events for the next two months.
Umar Akmal accused Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur, of using foul language, before the media which was a breach of a set of clauses in his central contract. The PCB three-member disciplinary committee recommended a number of penalties which were endoursed by chairman Najam Sethi on Thursday.
The question remains will Umar Akmal be taken to task for his allegations against the head coach or his claims would be probed by the PCB?
A PCB official says the issue is now done and dusted.
“Umar Akmal has admitted his errors and there is no need to proceed further in this connection. Let’s now focus on his perennial behaviour. The PCB actually wants to help reform him”, the official stressed.
Umar Akmal, 27, has had a series of controversies attached to him ever since he made his international debut in 2009.
The PCB press release also quoted the chairman Najam Sethi as saying that these sanctions had been awarded with a heavy heart but with the hope that it served as a precedent for all cricketers who should be mindful of their obligations and the consequences of their actions.
Akmal is also likely to miss the entire stint with the Global T20, scheduled in South Africa from November 3, 2017 to December 16, 2017, as his two-month embargo will culminate by the end of November.
On the issuance of NoC, to participate in the final part of GT20 after the ban’s expiry, the official said it is not a consideration as we speak.
“At the moment, Umar Akmal will not be allowed to participate in foreign leagues for the next two months. The situation after his ban’s expiry will be assessed when the time comes but he will technically be eligible, for all foreign matches and leagues, from December onward”, the official concluded
As per the GT20 schedule, Akmal’s franchise – Benoni Zalmi – has three group games scheduled after the culmination of his ban other than the finale on December 16th, which is of course subject to their qualification.