Pakistani middle-order batsman, Umar Akmal is now eligible to participate in a PCB anti-corruption code as he is eligible to undergo a rehabilitation programme. If everything goes well, the 31-year-old will be able to play for Pakistan again shortly. In April 2020, Akmal was found guilty of failing to notify bookie spot-fixing attempts. Umar Akmal Qualifies For PCB Rehabilitation Program, Pays PKR 42,50,000 Fine
In two unrelated cases, the Chairman Disciplinary Panel found the right-hander guilty of two charges of separate breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code. Akmal was initially sentenced to a three-year ban with consecutive periods of ineligibility.
The batsman, however, used his right to appeal in July 2020, and an Independent Adjudicator changed the judgement and shortened the period of ineligibility to 18 months. In addition, Akmal was ordered to pay the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) a fine as punishment of PKR 42,50,000.
The PCB makes official instructions on players to follow the rules and avoid participating in any illegal activities
The PCB also issued an official statement on the subject, instructing players to follow the rules and avoid participating in any illegal activities. “The PCB once again urges and reminds all participants to abide by their duty and promptly report any approaches to the anti-corruption offices and help themselves as well as the anti-corruption unit’s effort to eliminate the anathema of fixing,” a statement released by the PCB.
The Pakistan Cricket Board rejects Akmal appeal.
Earlier this year, Akmal proposed that the entire amount be paid in instalments. The 30-year-old said that he is having financial difficulties and will not be able to pay the whole fine. The Pakistan Cricket Board, however, rejected the batsman appeal after reviewing his financial statements.
Umar Akmal has now paid the full fine to the appropriate authority and is now eligible for the rehabilitation programme. Despite the fact that Akmal had paid the full sum, the Pakistan Cricket Board officials are busy preparing for the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the first week of June.
Umar Akmal has played 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is for Pakistan in his cricket career. In ODI cricket, he scored 3194 runs, and in T20I cricket, he scored 1690 runs. Akmal’s career is far from over at the age of 31, particularly given his talent.
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