Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Umar Akmal on Monday responded to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) show-cause notice after he was dropped for the T20 squad for his alleged involvement in “unethical activities” during a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match in Hyderabad.
“I attended a dinner party after being granted official permission by [SNGPL’s] team manager,” said Umar in his response to the board.
A press statement by the PCB released on Thursday stated that the 25-year-old has been dropped from Pakistan’s T20 squad for England series, pending an official inquiry.
“Umar Akmal was in contention for a place in the T20 squad, but he was not considered following the board issuing him a show-cause notice after the press reports revealed that he had brought the PCB and Pakistan cricket into disrepute,” the PCB statement said.
The batsman was axed from the squad on the instructions of the PCB chief Shaharyar Khan. “There should be an inquiry and Umar will be given an opportunity and after that we will take action,” the board supremo told reporters on Thursday.
“He is suspended and was not included in the team before we make a decision. Basically our players are not educated, most of them are school drop outs, so this becomes a problem and we will address that as well.”
Talking to Dawn, a PCB spokesperson said: “Investigation into the incident has been started. Inquiry will focus on the various aspects of incident and facts regarding his participatory role and ascertain the nature and magnitude of violation of central contract obligations. He has already been suspended. PCB will take final decision on the basis of the inquiry report.”
Earlier, Umar Akmal addressed reporters in Lahore, saying media claims regarding the matter were ‘baseless’. “I am not answerable to anyone apart from the department I am playing for,” said Umar.
Umar also expressed his wish to play for Pakistan once again. “Cricket is my love and I want to represent Pakistan for a longer period of time,” said the hard-hitting batsman.
Umar, who hails from Lahore, thanked T20 skipper Shahid Afridi for supporting him. “I am thankful to Shahid Afridi for backing me in this situation and considering me an important part of the team,” said Umar.
Pakistan play England in a three-match T20 series in the UAE from Nov 26.
