Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi is extremely disappointed to see the amazingly talented Umar Akmal get involved in yet another controversy.
Afridi, who backed Umar a lot while he led the national side, believes the time is now ripe for the right-hand batsman to have a relook at his attitude and whether he has right people around him.
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Umar is the latest Pakistani player to have been caught in a corruption scandal. The 29-year-old faces a 12-month ban and a heavy fine for not reporting a spot-fixing offer made to him at the beginning of this year's edition of the Pakistan Super League in February.
"Umar really needs to look at the company he keeps. He needs to get his priorities sorted out. He is a fine batsman but he can't keep on carrying like this," Afridi told the Geo channel.
He stressed the need for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus on players' grooming and have an education programme in place for them.
"Most of the Pakistani players come through without any proper education background and they are prone to falling prey to people who encourage corruption in the game."
"I just feel that the board must have a grooming and education program for these players. I think it is about how well you manage a talent. Umar is one example. But just telling them about the anti-corruption clauses is not enough," Afridi added.
While Afridi feels for Umar, he also supported veteran Mohammad Hafeez over demand from cricket authorities in the country to impose a life ban on those guilty of corruption in the game.
Hafeez publicly questioned the need to allow players like Sharjeel Khan back despite proven involvement in PSL spot-fixing scandal.
"I feel these examples (of strict punishment) should have been set in the past but this didn't happen and that is why we have seen such cases on a regular basis," Afridi said.
"I have nothing against anyone but even now if the Board wants to set an example it can do that. Only then can we hope to curtail such cases."
(Inputs from PTI)
