Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has apologized for not reporting corrupt approaches last year for which the wicket-keeper batsman was banned for 12 months.
“Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake which caused damage to my cricket and career. I learnt a lot during this time and due to that mistake, Pakistan cricket’s reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness from the PCB and from cricket fans around the world,” Akmal said in a video released by PCB.
The right-handed batsman who was banned in February 2020 for failure to report corrupt approaches related to fixing just before the start of fifth season of PSL, talked about how this period has been very difficult for him.
“Some people approached me but I was unable to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, due to which I had to face a 12-month ban. I couldn’t play cricket despite being a cricketer. I learned a lot during this time and today I confess before all of you that that mistake brought disrepute to Pakistan Cricket,” the 31-year-old said.
After apologizing to everyone, his family, fans and PCB, the Pakistan batsman decided to leave a message for all the cricketers about how they should not make the mistakes he did.
“I, Umar Akmal, would like to request all of you, as ambassadors of the sport, to stay away from any suspicious activities. If any suspicious individuals approach you, please report it to the anti-corruption unit in a timely manner so that your record and career remain clean,” the Lahore-based cricketer said.
In April 2020, the PCB’s disciplinary panel had found Akmal guilty of two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption code and was handed a three-year ban which was reduced to 18 months after Akmal’s appeal.
In February this year, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the ban to 12 months and reduced the fine from 12 million to 4.5 million PKR.
(With IANS Inputs)
