Umar Akmal might face three-match ban and fine, says report
The 27-year-old had accused head coach Arthur of abusing him and barring him from coming to NCA
(Web Desk) – Aggressive middle order batsman Umar Akmal might face a three-match ban along with fine over his unprofessional outburst in media against head coach Mickey Arthur, media reports claimed on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old cricketer had claimed during media talk that the South Africa-born coach had abused and prohibited him from using facilities of National Cricket Academy which are only accessible for national-level players. In reaction, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had formed a committee to look into the matter which interrogated Akmal as well as Inzamam-ul-Haq, chief selector, who was at the spot when the scene occurred, according to Akmal.
A show-cause notice was also issued to Akmal to which he responded that he was not treated appropriately for the last few years which forced him to take a stand against Arthur. The right-hand batsman said he went public to address his complaints because head coach’s behaviour wasn’t tolerable anymore.
Sources within PCB told media that the committee has compiled its recommendations after inquiry and suggested three-match ban along with fine on the right-hand batsman. The committee has given leverage to Akmal in terms of ban which is applicable on either international matches or domestic contests.
The recommendations have been forwarded to PCB Chairman Najam Sethi who, if approves the recommendations, can punish Akmal in light of his disciplinary misconduct. It is expected that the ban will be applied on Akmal during Quaid-e-Azam where he plays from UBL side.
Cricket experts including ex-coach Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, and others have suggested that Umar Akmal should be told to work on his fitness and batting form before another entry into international circle. He was earlier dropped from ICC Champions Trophy 2017 squad due to fitness woes.
