PCB likely to let Umar Akmal off the hook easily

Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has four days remaining to respond to the notice of charge. Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have clarified that the batsman has not yet requested an extension in the deadline, however the PCB officials are in favor of granting him more time in case a request is made.

Umar Akmal had been issued the notice of charge on March 17 for violating the PCB’s anti-corruption code 2.4.4 twice. The batsman has till March 31 to respond.

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Akmal had, earlier, been issued the notice of charge for not reporting suspicious interactions to the PCB in a timely manner. Sources claimed that the batsman looks likely to admit his mistake and receive a minimum punishment based on agreed sanctions.

The batsman can receive a ban from up to six months to a life ban. Fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan had previously been charged with the same violation and received a minimum punishment after admitting his mistake. Akmal could likely receive a similar punishment as that of Irfan, which was a six-month ban along with a fine of PKR1 million or higher depending on the amount of support Akmal provides to the officials during the investigation.