Didn’t report spot-fixing method as I assumed it could not stay confidential: Umar Akmal

Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Umar Akmal
Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal on Saturday claimed that he didn’t report the PCB in regards to the spot-fixing method made to him which led to his ban final yr as he thought the knowledge wouldn’t stay confidential.
Akmal is now eligible to renew his cricket profession after the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Friday diminished his suspension to 12 months and imposed a effective of 42.50 lakh Pakistani Rupees for breaching the Anti-Corruption Code.

Akmal was initially banned for 3 years from all cricket actions on February 20 final yr for not reporting approaches made to him for spot-fixing within the Pakistan Super League.
“I opted against reporting the matter to the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit as I was concerned the information would be leaked out and not remain confidential,” he informed reporters in Lahore.
He additionally claimed that he had gone to satisfy the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board to tell him in regards to the spot-fixing method however couldn’t meet him.
“I had every intention of reporting the matter. I went to meet Board chairman to tell him the approach made to me to spot-fix in Pakistan Super League. Unfortunately, I could not meet him as he was busy and this issue happened,” Akmal stated.
“I have never been involved in such practices because to me to play for Pakistan is the biggest honour,” he added.

He stated it was unhealthy luck that earlier than he may go on the knowledge to the PCB chairman, the matter went to the ACU which charged him for not reporting the spot-fixing method.
Akmal was banned for 3 years from all cricket by the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February final yr. Later, the ban was diminished to 18 months by an Independent Adjudicator.
But the PCB and Akmal each went to the Court of Arbitration for Sports with the previous interesting for an extended ban on the batsman and the latter asking to put aside the ban altogether.
On Friday, the CAS rejected the PCB’s attraction for an extended ban however confirmed one breach of the Anti-Corruption Code by Akmal, imposing him a 12-month ban and effective of 4.2 million rupees. The CAS additionally stated each events would bear the authorized prices of the case themselves.
The 12-month ban signifies that Akmal has accomplished it on March 19 and he’s now eligible to renew cricket.
Akmal stated he would cooperate with the PCB in each method within the rehabilitation course of and do the whole lot to get again to enjoying cricket as quickly as attainable.
“Cricket is my bread and butter and I know how much loss I have suffered in the last one year away from the sport. I want to resurrect my Pakistan career and hopefully, I can do that,” he stated.
“I’ve learnt loads in these final 12 months and hopefully I can simply deal with cricket now as there may be plenty of cricket left in me.”