PCB forms three-member team to investigate Akmal-Arthur fiasco

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set up a three-member committee to look into the recent fall out matter between cricketer Umar Akmal and the head coach of the national side Mickey Arthur. In the recent times, Umar Akmal had alleged that coach Mickey Arthur had used slang words against him. He had accused Arthur of using non-parliamentary methods in the practice sessions.

Apparently, the national side chief selector, Inzamam Ul Haq, had also overheard Arthur using a few cuss words against Umar Akmal. However, Inzamam is currently unavailable for a word on the matter since he is out of the country for performing Hajj. Also, coach Mickey Arthur is away from the country and is on a vacation.

The PCB clearly did not want to take any risks in the matter and hence set up a committee to look into the issue from the scratch. As per the reports in ESPNcricinfo, the committee comprises three members: director of cricket operations Haroon Rasheed, director of media Amjad Bhatti and the PCB’s general manager legal Salman Naseer.

“The PCB strongly condemns reckless statements made by batsman Umar Akmal with regards to his omission from the ICC Champions Trophy squad,” the PCB statement read.

“Head coach Mickey Arthur had placed Umar in his white ball format plans and gave him repeated chances for redemption. Unfortunately, though, the batsman remained incapable of reaching the required fitness level. The PCB awaits his response to the show cause notice issued to him yesterday and hopes that, in the meantime, the batsman will refrain from making baseless allegations,” the statement added further.

Waqar Younis take on the issue

Meanwhile, former coach Waqar Younis wants the issue to be solved with mutual understanding. It is worth noting that Umar was dropped from the national side prior to the commencement of the Champions Trophy due to fitness issues. Waqar hopes the coach and the players get back to the same page soon.

“This matter needs to be resolved by way of mutual understanding. Someone needs to sit Umar down and explain to him that when a teacher or any other senior figure ticks you off, it isn’t such a big deal. I don’t think Mickey Arthur would have gone overboard when chastising Umar. It’s purely frustration on his part because he isn’t part of the team,” quoted Waqar Younis.