Corruption charges on him taken back by the PCB, says Umar Akmal

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has stated that he is now free of any corruption charges or spot fixing allegations. The 27-year-old said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has removed the charges imposed on him. Akmal also admitted to the fact that he did not work on his fitness. He has held himself responsible for not achieving a central contract from the board.

However, the wicketkeeper is eyeing a return to the national team very soon. Akmal has been working on his fitness very hard and is recovering from a knee problem which has concerned him for long.

What Umar Akmal had to say:

“I don’t blame anyone, I am to blame for not getting the contract. I am now taking my fitness and training very seriously as I want to get back into the national team stronger and fitter,” Akmal said in an interview from London.

Akmal said that he has been a true sportsman for his country throughout his career. He said all the rumours about the spot fixing scandal were rubbish and he was forcefully driven into it. “All my life I have never been involved in such things and I have only wanted to do well for my country,” he said.

Umar Akmal cricketing career has recently been in turmoil after the batsman was sent back from England just before the ICC Champions Trophy. He failed a fitness Test which led coach Mickey Arthur to take the step. However, according to Akmal, he does not have any grudges against anyone in the team including Arthur. The cricketer also faced the axe in the West Indies tour before the champions trophy owing to fitness issues.

“It was hard to accept that I could have been part of this history making team. And I felt bad not being part of the Champions Trophy. But I always wished the players well and hoped they won the tournament,” he added.