Middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has been sacked from the ICC Champions Trophy squad after he failed to clear a fitness test, said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan.

It is the second fitness test which Akmal failed within the span of two months, hence he has been removed from the squad with immediate effect, said the PCB chief.

Earlier in the day, a senior PCB official had informed DawnNews that the team's coaches were suggesting that the board should send Akmal back to Pakistan.

The team management had informed PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan about the suggestion "being made by the coaches."

Pakistan team is currently in England to take part in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy event.

Fitness test of the cricketers was held two days back in Birmingham. Umar Akmal had already been dropped from Pakistani squad for West Indies because of his poor fitness.

Last week, the PCB had imposed a fine, besides issuing a warning to Umar Akmal over misconduct during a domestic tournament last month.