Umar Akmal handed three-year ban from all cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board handed down the punishment after the 29-year-old pleaded guilty to two unrelated charges of failing to report details of corrupt approaches made to him ahead of this year's Pakistan Super League

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been banned from all cricket for a three-year period after he was found guilty of two anti-corruption code breaches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board handed down the punishment after the 29-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to report details of corrupt approaches made to him ahead of this year's Pakistan Super League.

Akmal's case went to the PCB disciplinary panel after he opted against contesting the charges at an anti-corruption tribunal. Effectively, that decision meant that he would have to accept any sanctions imposed. His hearing took place at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, with Akmal choosing to represent himself.

Lt Col Asif Mahmood, the director of PCB security and anti-corruption, said: “The PCB doesn't take any pleasure in seeing a promising international cricketer being declared ineligible for three years on corruption charges, but this is once again a timely reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code.

“I request all professional cricketers to stay away from the menace of corruption and immediately inform relevant authorities as soon as they are approached. This is in their - as well as their teams' and countries' - best interest.”

Akmal was formally charged on March 20, with both charges falling under the terms of Article 2.4.4 of the code, which states “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code."

While this constitutes Akmal’s first sanction for a breach of anti-corruption codes, it is far from the first time that he has endured a brush with controversy.

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