No compromise on discipline, clarifies Najam Sethi
PCB chief expressed his views while addressing a ceremony hosted by Lahore Qalandars.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has clarified that no player including Umar Akmal will be given any relaxation on the matter of discipline, doesn’t matter how big or talented that individual is.
The remarks of Najam Sethi came after Umar Akmal levelled serious allegations against head coach Mickey Arthur claiming that he misbehaved with him and used foul language.
Akmal said Arthur unfairly chastised him and asked him to leave the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in a confrontation, branding him undeserving. He also accused the head coach of plotting ‘dummy fitness test’ to send him home during the ICC Champions Trophy.
PCB not only strongly refuted Akamal’s allegations, but also served a show-cause notice to him. "While making frivolous allegations against the national team management, Umar has made a bogus attempt to deviate attention from his own failings. Umar was given as many as seven chances to improve his fitness and match the standards of his teammates, laid out by the team management," the PCB stated in a press release.
PCB chief expressed his views while addressing a ceremony that was hosted by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars in Lahore, and let it be known that the coaching staff will be given hundred percent support regarding the code of conduct.
Najam Sethi told PCB has concrete evidences against the players who were involved in spot-fixing during the second edition of PSL, and said the anti-corruption tribunal will announce punishments for them in coming ten days.
Sethi also asserted that a good news regarding the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan will come in two to three days, as he is working on another project besides hosting Sri Lanka and World XI. He affirmed that both these teams will visit Pakistan.
He let it be known that the World XI, including top players from every nation, will tour Pakistan in September followed by Sri Lanka series. He said that the team of World XI will be announced in a day or two.
Sethi also praised the efforts made by Lahore Qalandars franchise who is bringing new talent forward. He said the development program is also getting better due to Lahore Qalandars, and their involvement in the South African league will eventually benefit Pakistan.
Talking about PSL, he said it is not only his success, but of whole Pakistan. Najam Sethi told that PCB is trying to host some matches of PSL3 in Lahore and Karachi, and is hopeful to get positive results.
