Umar Akmal’s disciplinary hearing set for April 27

LAHORE: The disciplinary panel hearing misconduct charges against cricketer Umar Akmal has set the date to decide his fate on April 27.

The chairman of the disciplinary panel Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan issued notices to batsman Umar Akmal and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requiring their attendance for a hearing on April 27.

According to a statement by the PCB, Akmal did not request a hearing before the Anti-Corruption Tribunal where he could have pleaded innocence and contested the charges. The decision means that Akmal has decided to accept whatever sanctions are imposed on him. The matter was referred to the disciplinary committee on April 9.

The PCB has formally charged Umar Akmal for two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents. Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code reads: “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in corrupt conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code.”

The hearing is presently scheduled at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore and both the PCB and Umar Akmal have been asked to attend. The safety precautions and social distancing measures will be strictly enforced in order to safeguard all those involved in the meeting.

The PCB has refused to comment on the matter until the chairman of the disciplinary panel has announced his public decision. Justice Chauhan will confirm the offenses before announcing the cricketer’s punishment ranging from a six-month suspension to a life ban.

Akmal had been provisionally suspended on February 20 and was issued the notice of charge on March 17. The PCB formally charged Akmal with two breaches of its anti-corruption code for two unrelated incidents on March 20.