Pakistan Cricket Board denies Umar Akmal's request to pay fine in installments

The tussle between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal continues as the apex body rejected his request to pay the fine imposed in installments. Failing to report corrupt approaches twice ahead of the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League, Akmal was held guilty of breaching PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code and was slapped a massive fine of Rs. 42,50,000 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) apart from being handed a three-year ban from all forms of cricket.

His ban was later reduced to one and a half years in July 2020, after he successfully challenged it. The Pakistan Cricket Board had then appealed to the International Court of Arbitration of Sport for Akmal’s ban to be overturned. Subsequently, it was reduced to 12 months, while the fine imposed was set to be PKR 4.25 million on the Lahore-born cricketer.

Sources suggest that Akmal, under a fiscal crisis, expressed his inability to pay the dues as a lump sum amount, instead, he requested to pay the fine in installments, which was rejected by the Pakistan Cricket Board after they analyzed the details provided by the 30-year-old. Umar has to necessarily remit 42,50,000 to get admitted to the program that can lead to his comeback in professional or international cricket.

Article 2.4.4 of the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code specifies that any player who fails disclose full details of any corrupt approaches or invitations to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department, without unnecessary delay, shall be held guilty and be subjected to punishment as per the provisions of the Code.

Umar Akmal last represented Pakistan in 2019

Akmal got a chance in the ODI series against Australia in the UAE in March 2019 to secure his place in the World Cup squad. However, the 30-year old could only manage 150 runs in five matches at an average of 30. Resultantly, he failed to secure his place in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

Notably, Akmal featured in the home T20Is against Sri Lanka in October 2019, playing in a couple of games. Although, two consecutive ducks meant he lost his place in the national team and is yet to get a chance ever since.