Umar Akmal found guilty by PCB's inquiry panel, 3-match ban recommended

PCB’s inquiry panel has decided on imposing a three-match ban along with a fine for former Pakistan International Umar Akmal after finding him guilty of three clauses of the players’ code of conduct. It was also suggested that Akmal should be handed a suspending issuance of NOC for foreign leagues for a certain period.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official in proximity to the matter made these revelations on the condition of anonymity. The penalty was sentenced by the head of inquiry committee Haroon Rasheed, Director of Cricket. The punishment was imposed in the aftermath of Umar Akmal’s spat with Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur during practice at the National Cricket Academy. It was later revealed by the media that Arthur abused the 27-year-old.

“The committee, after interviewing Umar and others, found the batsman guilty of breaching three clauses and it has now sent its recommendations to the PCB chairman Najam Sethi for further action,” commented the anonymous official according to PTI.

It is now up to PCB Chairman Najam Sethi whether to accept the recommendations made by the inquiry committee which suggested a three-match ban and a fine or going for the maximum punishment allowed for breach of relevant clauses.

Umar Akmal may be fined up to 5 million rupees

“It didn’t reflect on the allegations made by Umar against Arthur. It has found the batsman guilty of breaching the code and left it up to the chairman to decide whether a larger inquiry is required for the allegations of use of abusive language by Arthur,” stated the source further. “Umar breached three clauses by going directly to the media and criticising the head coach,” the source said.

“The maximum punishment for these breaches is a five-match ban and a fine of up to five million rupees. Sethi also has the authority to reduce the penalties recommended by the inquiry committee,” the official said.