Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal was banned for 12 months after not reporting corrupt approaches to the board. In July this year, Akmal had apologized for his mistake.
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. On account of this, he was handed a three-year ban. In July, on Akmal's appeal, an independent adjudicator brought down the period to 18 months.
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 Pakistani rupees.
The Lahore-based wicketkeeper-batsman however will be allowed to resume club cricket activities as part of his rehabilitation process, which commenced last month.
“In the processes completed to date, Umar has shown remorse, attended an anti-corruption lecture, and participated in a Q&A session conducted by the Security and Anti-Corruption Department. His rehabilitation programme is expected to conclude next month, following which he will become eligible to participate in the Pakistan domestic cricket season 2021/22,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
As far as the batsman is concerned, he has accepted his mistake and apologized everyone for his error in a video shared by PCB.
“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 the video.
“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,” he added.
After apologies to his family, PCB and cricket fans, Akmal had a message for cricketers.
“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 31-year-old said.
(With IANS Inputs)
