I didn't report the matter to PCB's Anti-Corruption Unit as I was concerned the information would be leaked: Umar Akmal

Pakistan’s veteran batsman Umar Akmal is now free to play the sport as the Court of Arbitration for Sports rejected Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) appeal for a longer ban on the batsman and imposed him a 12-month ban and fine of 4.2 million rupees. Umar was handed a three-year ban from all activities on February 20 last year for not reporting approaches made to him for spot-fixing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

With his ban reduced to 12 months, it ended on February 19, 2021 and the cricketer is now free to participate in the cricketing activities. Speaking about the charges levelled against him, Umar reckoned that he didn’t report the matter to authorities as he feared that the information wouldn’t remain confidential.

“I opted against reporting the matter to the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit as I was concerned the information would be leaked out and not remain confidential,” he told reporters in Lahore.

The 30-year-old further claimed that he didn’t have any intention as he had made a visit to the board chairman to report about the whole matter but the latter wasn’t available. Akmal, who has featured in 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is for Pakistan, asserted that he will never be involved in such practices as for him donning the green jersey is the biggest honour.

Cricket is my bread and butter: Umar Akmal

“I had every intention of reporting the matter. I went to meet the Board chairman to tell him the approach made to me to spot-fix in Pakistan Super League. Unfortunately, I could not meet him as he was busy and this issue happened. I have never been involved in such practices because to me to play for Pakistan is the biggest honour,” Akmal stated.

On being asked about his comeback to the Pakistan side, Akmal reckoned that he is willing to cooperate with the authorities in every manner as there is a lot of cricket left in him. The batsman revealed that the past 12 months taught him a lot about life and he is looking forward to playing again.

“Cricket is my bread and butter and I know how much loss I have suffered in the last one year away from the sport. I want to resurrect my Pakistan career and hopefully, I can do that. I have learnt a lot in these last 12 months and hopefully I can just focus on cricket now as there is a lot of cricket left in me,” Umar Akmal concluded.