Umar Akmal suspended from all forms of cricket by PCB under Anti-Corruption Code pending investigation

• Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal has been suspended by the PCB from all forms of cricket.
• The player has been banned under the the Article 4.7.1 of the Anti-Corruption Code.
• He isn’t eligible to play for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League either.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to suspend cricketer Umar Akmal from all forms of cricket under the Article 4.7.1 of the Anti-Corruption Code. With the investigation into the matter still ongoing, the PCB will give a full verdict into the case later. 

While Umar is presently not a part of Pakistan’s international squads across formats, he was to play for the Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Now, however, the younger of the Akmal brothers wouldn’t be able to participate and the franchise has already been asked to find a replacement.

Quetta, however, took to Twitter to state that they are awaiting a full inquiry to conclude in the matter and will make an official statement post that. Although they confirmed to be in the market for a replacement for Umar.

PCB’s Article 4.7.1:

Where either (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.