'I apologize to my family, PCB, and cricket fans' - Umar Akmal issues public apology for failing to report fixing approach in past

It is a known fact that Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Umar Akmal is currently facing a ban due to his failure to report a match-fixing approach. He received the ban of three years in April 2020 when the Chairman Disciplinary Panel stated him guilty on two separate charges. In the latest turn of events, Akmal has come with an open apology for his actions and was seen issuing the same in a video posted by PCB.

In the video, Akmal could be seen giving his introduction first followed by acceptance of his mistake. He went on to add a very important point in his apology when he requested the fellow cricketers to report all the suspicious activities timely, so they don’t hamper their career. He added that the time while not playing cricket has been really tough for him and he has had his lessons.

He further apologized for tarnishing the image of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He also said sorry to his family members, fans, and followers around the world. It has to be noted that Akmal was initially handed over a ban of three years before he exercised his right to appeal to Independent Adjudicator in July 2020 and his ban was reduced to 18 months. Further, The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) reduced his band to 12 months only.

Umar Akmal request fellow cricketers to report suspicious activities

“My name is Umar Akmal. 17 months ago in 2020, I made a mistake that caused damage to both my career and cricket. The mistake happened when some individuals approached me and I could not report it to the anti-corruption unit on time. I had to face a 12-month ban because of this incident. As a cricketer, I could not play cricket. This time was really tough for me. I learned a lot during this time.”

“I admit in front of everyone today that this incident caused damage to Pakistan’s image. I apologize to my family, the PCB, and cricket fans all around the world. I, Umar Akmal, would like to request all of you, as ambassadors of the sport, to stay away from any suspicious activities. If any suspicious individuals approach you, please report it to the anti-corruption unit in a timely manner so that your record and career remain clean,” Akmal concluded.