“I was concerned that information would be leaked” – Umar Akmal on failing to signal a point fixing approach

Corrupt Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal recently revealed that he did not report his spot-fixing approach to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fearing a breach of confidentiality. The 30-year-old had his ban reduced to 12 months on Friday February 26 and is now eligible to return to professional cricket.

On February 20 last year, Umar Akmal was given a three-year ban from all forms of cricket by the PCB anti-corruption court for failing to report an approach that was made during the Super League of Pakistan 2020.

The wicket-keeper explained why he chose to keep the vigilance and security department away from the PCB.

“I chose not to report the matter to the CCP’s Anti-Corruption Unit because I feared the information would be leaked and not be kept confidential,” Umar Akmal told reporters in Lahore on Saturday.

He further added that he even went to disclose the misdemeanor directly to CCP Chairman Ehsan Mani, but it did not work because he was busy.

“I fully intended to report the matter. I went to meet the chairman of the board of directors to explain to him the approach which was made to me to settle on the spot in Pakistan Super League. Unfortunately, I couldn’t meet him because he was busy and this issue happened. I have never been involved in such practices because for me playing for Pakistan is the greatest honor, ”said Umar Akmal.

The information reached ACU before the president and Umar Akmal were registered under the anti-corruption code.

“I want to revive my career in Pakistan” – Umar Akmal

Although the initial blackout was three years, an independent adjudicator later reduced it to 18 months. There was a double battle going on at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While Akmal wanted the ban dropped completely, the PCB wanted an extension of the same.

It was Friday that the Lausanne-based court dismissed the CCP’s appeal and ruled a violation of the anti-corruption code by Akmal. The final verdict was a 12-month ban and a fine of 42.50 lakh Pakistani rupees on the right-hander.

In essence, its ban ended on March 19 of this year. Umar Akmal’s sounds focused on ending his rehabilitation and returning to the Pakistan cricket team.

“Cricket is my bread and butter, and I know how many losses I have suffered in the past year outside of sport. I want to resurrect my career in Pakistan and I hope I can do it. I have learned a lot in the last 12 months and hope to be able to focus on cricket now because I have a lot of cricket left, ”Umar Akmal concluded.

Since his international debut in 2009, Umar Akmal has scored 5,887 races across 16 tests, 121 ODI and 84 T20I with 3 hundreds and 34 50.