Umar Akmal fined for breaching team curfew rule during Australia series

Pakistan’s very colourful wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee for the fifth ODI against Australia. It was already bad news for the hosts as they lost all five ODI games to the visiting Australian team in the UAE. And further on, Akmal’s act worsened the scene for the Pakistan team as well as the board.

The veteran batsman also received an official reprimand following his late-night drive in Dubai after the fourth ODI against Australia. He was fined due to breaching team curfew ahead of the match. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said he pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the penalty imposed by the team manager.

A video clip of the said incident surfaced on social media that exposed Umar in the middle of a late night outing after Pakistan lost the fourth ODI in Dubai. The batsman, who has had a history with disciplinary issues, was recalled for the ODI series against Australia just ahead of the World Cup, that starts on May 30.

Earlier, head coach Mickey Arthur attested that the in-form Umar Akmal has an all-improved attitude and all he needs to do is work more on his fitness. The coach has given the team a deadline of April 14 to prove fitness ahead of the World Cup. Akmal displayed a good form in the Pakistan Super League after having been away from the frontline team for about two-and-half years.

Glad Umar realized his mistake, says team manager

Following the social media emergence of the video, a debate was provoked on whether the batsman had shown indiscipline or his personal life should be respected. But PCB team manager, Talat Ali, said on Monday that after pleading guilty Umar apologized for his actions.

PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan was quoting saying regarding the incident: “I am glad that Umar has realised his mistake and has accepted and apologised for his actions, which were clearly unprofessional and in no way can be ignored or overlooked.

The PCB expects a high level of professionalism and commitment from its players, and this action is a reiteration and timely reminder that any indiscipline shall not be tolerated or accepted.”

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