The PCB has formally charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of its anti-corruption code for two unrelated incidents. If guilty, the penalty for the cricketer will range from a suspension of six months to a lifetime ban. The charges come under Article 2.4.4, which deals with: “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”.
Akmal had been provisionally suspended on February 20, and was issued the notice of charge on March 17. He now has 14 days (till March 31) to respond to it in writing.
While Umar has kept mum since his suspension, his older brother Kamran Akmal defended him in the media after a PSL match on February 22.
“I know my brother Umar, he cannot do any such thing. He is as clean as he was ten year ago when he came to international cricket,” Kamran said.
“Umar has helped the anti-corruption unit more than any other player.”
Umar’s career has been plagued with incidents of indiscipline which have been a consistent roadblock in his progress as an international cricketer.
Before these latest anti-corruption charges he found himself in hot water with the PCB for his alleged misbehaviour with a staff member after a failed fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. However, the PCB put the incident down to a “misunderstanding” following a two-day inquiry.