Umar Akmal's ban reduced from 3 to 1.5 years by PCB, can resume cricket from Aug 2021

Controversial Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal got a relief on Wednesday as his ban was halved by an independent adjudicator. player, who already was on receiving end of a three-year ban by PCB, saw it reduce to half, i.e. a period of 18 months. latest ruling means that Umar Akmal will w be suspended effectively from February 2020 till August 2021.

Also Read: PCB Behind ICC's Decision Of Postponing 2023 World Cup In India For Hosting PSL: Report

reason behind Umar Akmal ban 

Umar Akmal was given a ban of three years on April 27 by Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Disciplinary Panel, Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, after he was found guilty of breaching Article 2.4.4 of PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two separate incidents.  concerned Article of PCB Anti-Corruption Code refers to "Failing to disclose to PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by Participant to eng in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code".

After being found guilty of violation, Umar Akmal was provisionally suspended on February 17, with player later being charged by PCB on March 20, following which Umar Akmal ban case was handed over to PCB Disciplinary Panel. Ever since  ban was issued, player didn’t contest charges before an Anti-Corruption Tribunal and was issued lengthy ban after failing to show remorse.

Also Read: ' Board Was Under Pressure': PCB CEO On Why y Went Ahead With England Tour

Umar Akmal ban halved

decision to reduce Umar Akmal’s ban came to light after retired Former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd) Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, who was serving as an independent adjudicator, had earlier reserved his judgement after listening to arguments on Monday. ban reduction will serve as a boost for 30-year-old, who had decided to appeal his three-year ban on May 19.

Umar Akmal’s appeal was based on argument that players found guilty of similar infractions were given punishments that were less harsh. Mohammad Irfan was banned for six months in 2017 while Mohammad Nawaz was given a two-month-ban. latest decision means that Umar Akmal’s suspension, which started in February ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL), will w stay in effect until August 2021.

Also Read: Pakistan To Invest Mere ₹63 Crore Each To Make International Cricket And PSL 2021 Happen

"We will file an appeal": Umar Akmal after ban reduction

Umar Akmal was present at PCB's High-Performance centre when decision on his ban was read out. While speaking to media after verdict, player revealed that he will be filing a furr appeal to reduce sentence against remaining term of ban. Umar Akmal’s lawyer, on or hand, said that decision to reduce Umar Akmal’s ban was good and was what y had been expecting.

Also Read: Kamran Akmal Lashes Out At PCB For Snubbing Him Despite Good PSL & Domestic Performances

Im Courtesy: AP