Lighter penalty likely for Umar

ISLAMABAD: Middle order batsman Umar Akmal is likely to get away with comparatively lighter punishment following his acceptance of charges that he had failed to report bookies advancement to the concerned authorities in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

‘The News’ has learnt from well-placed sources that Umar is likely to be available for the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in a year’s time following his acceptance of all the charges. “He may get away from heavier punishment as acceptance of charges always have a room for a lighter punishment.

In six to ninth months time we may see him playing domestic cricket again,” the source said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed it has received Umar Akmal’s response to the Notice of Charge, which was issued on 17 March for two violations of Article 2.4.4. “The PCB will now review and examine Umar Akmal’s response and provide further details on the next steps in due course. Until that stage, the PCB will not make any further comments on this matter,” PCB official hand out says.