PCB inquiry panel finds Umar Akmal guilty, faces three-match suspension

The PCB’s inquiry committee which was headed by director cricket Haroon Rasheed found Umar Akmal guilty and handed him a three-match suspension. The committee has also suggested a temporary suspension of his NOC to play in foreign leagues.

“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,” a PCB official told PTI.

Akmal had an argument with Arthur at the National Cricket Academy during the practice session in last month and later, in the front of media, he alleged Arthur had abused him. 

“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,” the source added.

“Umar breached three clauses by going directly to the media and criticising the head coach.” 

Now, it is up to the chairman whether he accepts the inquiry committee suggestions of they can hand the batsman the maximum punishment for violating the specific rule.

“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.