Miandad urges PCB to show spine over misconduct

Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad in limelight for all the wrong reasons

KARACHI: Javed Miandad on Monday asked Pakistan’s cricket authorities to show some spine after a series of disciplinary breaches by several national players in recent days.

After former Pakistan captain Younis Khan withdrew from the Pakistan Cup following a brawl with an umpire, there were two more unsavoury incidents in Faisalabad which is currently hosting the country’s premier one-day tournament.

Controversial batsman Umar Akmal was at the centre of another controversy after a visit to a local theatre in Faisalabad where he allegedly brawled with the organisers.

Also in the limelight for a wrong reason was Ahmed Shehzad, the opening batsman who could be facing a penalty after smashing a dressing room window with his bat following his dismissal in a Pakistan Cup match.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should be firm in treating such cases of indiscipline,” Miandad said. “Such incidents are on the rise because the Board has failed to tackle misconduct in a proper manner,” added the former Pakistan Test captain, who is one of the leading critics of the PCB.

According to details, Umar Akmal, who was last caught in Hyderabad attending a dance party, was filmed watching a drama at a theatre in Faisalabad.

According to reports, cricketers Bilawal Bhatti, Shahid Yousaf, Muhammad Nawaz and Awais Zia were also present at the theatre.

Some media reports suggested that Umar Akmal was involved in a scuffle with the crew of the drama that was being staged at the theatre.

Sources said that the PCB has sought video footage of the incident and could conduct an inquiry into the incident. If proved guilty, Umar will face a stiff penalty considering his past track record.

Also facing a penalty is Ahmed Shehzad, who after failing to complete his century for KPK against Balochistan during a Pakistan Cup match on Sunday, smashed a dressing room’s window to vent his anger.

He was apparently unhappy on being given out on 79 and broke into an argument with the on-field umpire, saying Bilawal Bhatti may not have claimed a clean catch.

“I didn’t intend to cause any damage,” said Shehzad. “It was accidental and I will pay for the damage,” he added.