Umar Akmal, the former Pakistani middle-order batsman was banned for three years from all cricket by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). While we have yet to receive anything from Akmal on the matter, PCB has released a statement regarding the judgement passed on Akmal.
A Recap of Umar Akmal Case
Mr. Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, Chairman of the Independent Disciplinary Panel gave a detailed judgment on the case. The esteemed judge imposed a ban of three years for each of the two charges on Akmal for violating the Anti-Corruption Code. He is banned from playing any form of cricket for three years, which means he will be eligible to play cricket on 19th February, 2023.
PCB’s Statement on Umar Akmal Judgement
Justice Chauhan says, “It appears that he (Umar Akmal) is not prepared to show remorse and seek apology, make admission that he failed to fulfill his responsibility under Anti-Corruption Code, Article 2.4.4, rather he tried to take refuge under the pretext that in the past whenever any such approaches were made, the matter was reported by him.”
He also said, “As far as Charge No.1 is concerned, I do not see any circumstances to mitigate the nature of offence, particularly, when the participant (Umar Akmal) has not cooperated with the PCB Vigilance and Security Department and the investigating team. In view of the admission of the participant (Umar Akmal) that he failed to disclose to PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, the details of the approaches and invitations extended to him without unnecessary delay.”
“The charge as framed is proved and the participant (Umar Akmal) has rendered himself liable to be punished for breach of Article 2.4.4. It is also admitted by him (Umar Akmal) that he failed to report the approaches and invitation to the PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, as required by the PCB Code, Article 2.4.4.”
“In view of the above charge as framed, stood proven and participant has rendered himself to be punished under Article 6.2 of the PCB Code.”
The future of Umar Akmal’s cricket is up in the air at the moment. Only time will tell what is in his future, but for now, her bat has been locked up!
