KARACHI: Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal, who had earlier been suspended pending an anti-corruption investigation for failing to report a spot-fixing approach has now been asked to return the payment cheque he received prior to the beginning of the ongoing PSL.

Official sources have confirmed that Umar, like other players in the PSL, was paid as much as 70 per cent of his contract amount for representing Quetta Gladiators.

“The PCB handles the distribution of contract money to players directly to avoid any delays and problems as are visible in other leagues where players have got payments even after a year’s delay,” the source further stated.

“He has now been asked to return the amount to the PCB as he stands suspended from the PSL and all other cricket activities until the inquiry is completed,” one source said as quoted by PTI news agency.

“The cheques are sent directly by the PCB which guarantees payment of all players on schedule and later they adjust amount from the franchises shares.”

Umar has repeatedly denied the charges against him. He is yet to get a charge-sheet from PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Meanwhile, a source close to Umar has revealed that he has hired a top lawyer who will supervise the entire legal procedure.

“Umar is adamant he has done nothing wrong and that he never agreed to spot-fix any match or even got any spot-fixing offer from any bookmaker,” the source said as quoted by PTI.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2020