PCB releases detailed judgment on Umar Akmal’s case

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) disciplinary panel has released its detailed verdict on the Umar Akmal’s case.

According to judgment, the panel’s chairman Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan has imposed a ban of three years for each of the two charges of violating the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which will be deemed to have come into effect from the date of Akmal’s suspension on  20 February 2020.

The PCB said both periods of disqualification will run concurrently, meaning Akmal will now become eligible to return to cricket activities on 19 February 2023, said the PCB press release.

Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, in his remarks said “It appears that he (Umar Akmal) is not prepared to show penitence and seek apology, make admission that he failed to fulfill his responsibility under Anti-Corruption Code, Article 2.4.4.”

“Akmal tried to take refuge under the pretext that in the past whenever any such approaches were made, the matter was reported by him, the statement said.” The panel explained that Akmal’s behaviour, especially his lack of cooperation, did not leave room for any mitigation.

“As far as Charge No.1 is concerned, I do not see any situations to lessen the nature of offence, particularly, when Umar Akmal has not cooperated with the PCB Vigilance and Security Department and the investigating team,” Chauhan said.

“In view of the admission of the participant (Umar Akmal) that he failed to reveal to PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, the details of the approaches and invitations extended to him without redundant 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 added “It is also confessed 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.”