Umar Akmal in disciplinary crosshairs after Ahmed Shehzad's mid-match exit

After scoring 70 runs in the second innings of the aforementioned President's Trophy match, Shehzad did not come on the field as SNGPL were chasing 367 runs

PHOTO: PCB

Ahmed Shehzad, who is representing WAPDA in President’s Trophy, left the game against SNGPL at the UBL Sports Complex prematurely and returned to Lahore on technical grounds.

After scoring 70 runs in the second innings of the aforementioned President's Trophy match, Shehzad did not come on the field as SNGPL were chasing 367 runs. Despite Shehzad's departure, WAPDA pulled off an impressive win against SNGPL as they rolled them for 222 in 95.5 overs on the last day. SNGPL lost all ten wickets on day four after resuming from their overnight score of 12-0.

Sources indicate that Shehzad experienced discomfort in his back, prompting him, in accordance with medical and team management advice, to leave the field and travel to Lahore for essential tests.

However, this unexpected departure has prompted SNGPL to file a formal complaint against Shehzad, alleging a breach of domestic cricket rules.

In response to the complaint, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hinted at establishing an investigative committee to delve into the matter concerning Shehzad. The committee will assess whether there has been a violation of domestic cricket rules, and the PCB can take appropriate action based on the committee's findings.

If found guilty, Shehzad and the substitute fielder may face one-match suspension, and there could be two-match suspension for WAPDA's captain, Umar Akmal. Additionally, the team's coach or manager may be subject to a fine of at least 20,000 rupees, and points earned from the match victory could be deducted. The match referee's opinion on the matter is expected to play a crucial role in the final decision regarding this incident.

Scores in brief:

WAPDA beat SNGPL by 144 runs at UBL Sports Complex

WAPDA 328-6, 80 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 77, Ayaz Tasawar 75, Mohammad Saad 45 not out, Muhammad Akhlaq 41; Mubasir Khan 3-67, Mubasir Khan 3-67, Mohammad Awais Anwar 2-56, Kamran Ghulam 1-23) and 330-5 (dec), 98 overs (Umar Akmal 128, Ahmed Shehzad 70, Ayaz Tasawar 60; Shehzad Gul 1-33, Arif Yaqoob 1-48, Mohammad Ali 1-58, Mohamamd Awais Anwar 1-66, Mubasir Khan 1-79)

SNGPL 292 all out, 73.3 overs (Abid Ali 147, Kamran Ghulam 41, Asad Shafiq 25; Asif Afridi 5-124, Khalid Usman 4-89) and 222 all out, (Asad Shafiq 92 not out, Azhar Ali 24, Adnan Akmal 23; Khalid Usman 5-64, Akif Javed 2-61, Asif Afridi 2-63, Hassan Abid Kiyani 1-8)