Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal on Saturday (February 27) defended not reporting the spot-fixing approach made to him last year, saying he thought the information would not remain confidential.
On 20th February 2020, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had handed a three-year ban to Akmal for not reporting a fixing offer made to him during the fifth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL).
However, Akmal is now eligible to resume his cricket career as the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Friday (February 26) reduced his suspension to 12 months and imposed a fine of 42.50 lakh Pakistani Rupees for violating the Anti-Corruption Code.
"I opted against reporting the matter to the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit as I was concerned the information would be leaked out and not remain confidential," Umar Akmal told reporters in Lahore.
The 30-year-old also claimed that he had gone to inform the PCB chairman regarding the spot-fixing approach but could not meet him.
“I had every intention of reporting the matter. I went to meet Board chairman to tell him the approach made to me to spot-fix in Pakistan Super League. Unfortunately, I could not meet him as he was busy and this issue happened,” Akmal said.
“I have never been involved in such practices because to me to play for Pakistan is the biggest honour,” he added.
Since CAS reduced his ban to 12 months, it means that Akmal has completed it on February 19 and he is now eligible to play cricket.
Umar Akmal wants to co-operate with the PCB in every manner in the rehabilitation process as he is keen to get back on the field.
“Cricket is my bread and butter and I know how much loss I have suffered in the last one year away from the sport. I want to resurrect my Pakistan career and hopefully, I can do that,” he said.
"I have learnt a lot in these last 12 months and hopefully I can just focus on cricket now as there is a lot of cricket left in me.”
(With PTI inputs)
