Umar Akmal apologized to PCB

Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal has apologized to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and fans for neglecting to answer to the PCB’s anti-corruption authorities that he had been approached by bookies.

In a video message, the right-gave batsman, 31, admitted to his mistakes. He furthermore urged different players to not tumble down a similar course.

He said, “Seventeen months ago, in 2020, I committed a mistake which cost not only my career but also my cricket,” Akmal says in a video clip. “My mistake was that I did not inform the Anti-Corruption Unit in time when some people [bookies] approached me.”

Akmal said, as a result, he had to face a 12-month suspension due to the offense. “I couldn’t play cricket despite being a cricketer,” he added. 

Admitting the grave mistake!

“I am admitting that my mistake had a negative impact on Pakistan’s image.” He also added, “I apologize to my family, PCB, and all cricket fans across the world.” 

“I request all players, as representatives of the sport and your country, please keep away from all such activities and report them to PCB’s anti-corruption unit to save your career as well as repute,” he added. 

Ban on Umar Akmal in February

Back in February 2020, Akmal was slapped with an 18-month ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, it was later reduced to 12 months, along with a fine of Rs4.25million for breaching PCB’s anti-corruption code.

Read More: Court of arbitration for sports imposes 12-month ban and a fine of pkr 4.25million on Umar Akmal

He was suspended over his failure to report spot-fixing approaches that were made to him at the beginning of Pakistan Super League 5.