Troubled Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal, who was supposed to represent Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League‘s 5th edition, has been suspended. According to details published by various news outlets, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on suspended the batsman on Thursday for breaching the Anti-Corruption Code.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the 29-year-old Umar Akmal was suspended with immediate effect under Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which means he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
Quetta Gladiators, the defending champions of Pakistan Super League (PSL T20), will be allowed to apply for a replacement for Umar Akmal.
Quetta Gladiators are all set to face two-time former champions Islamabad United in the opening match of HBL PSL 2020 at National Stadium Karachi in the opening match of Pakistan Super League’s 5th edition.
Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code
(a) the PCB decides to charge a Participant with an offence under this Anti-Corruption Code; or (b) the PCB considers that there are other exceptional circumstances relevant to a Participant (for example, where any relevant police authority has arrested and/or charged a Participant with an offence under any relevant criminal law in respect of facts or circumstances that may also constitute an offence under this Anti-Corruption Code), it, shall have the discretion, in circumstances where it considers that the integrity of the sport could otherwise be seriously undermined, to Provisionally Suspend the Participant pending the Anti-Corruption Tribunal’s determination of whether he/she has committed an offence. Any decision to Provisionally Suspend the Participant will be communicated to the Participant in writing, with a copy sent at the same time to the ICC and, where applicable, the National Cricket Federation to which the Participant is affiliated.
Although there is no official response from Quetta Gladiators about who will replace Umar Akmal some experts think Pakistani all-rounder Anwar Ali might be included to fill the gap.
