Three-year ban 'very harsh', Umar will 'definitely' challenge it: Kamran Akmal

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal was handed a lengthy three-year ban for not reporting corrupt approaches. Veteran Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman, and Umar’s brother, Kamran Akmal has been left surprised by the length of the ban as he termed the verdict ‘very harsh’ while adding that Umar will “definitely challenge it”.

Kamran confirmed that his brother will approach every possible forum to appeal against the three-year-ban. The veteran batsman said in past, players have received shorter bans for similar offences and Umar’s ban is hard to understand.

“I am definitely surprised at the harsh punishment given to Umar. A three- year ban is very harsh. He will definitely approach every available forum to appeal against this ban,” Kamran said.

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“Definitely it is hard to understand because other players in the past have got short bans for similar offences. Yet Umar has got such a harsh punishment.” Akmal was referring to Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Nawaz who were banned for short periods after not reporting corrupt approaches made to them.

Kamran said Umar would consider hiring a legal counsel to file his appeal after presenting his own case in Monday’s hearing. PCB was represented by legal counsel Tafazzul Rizvi.

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“Umar admitted to the charges but tried to justify himself and the judge also gave him a chance several times to review his position which he didn’t,” Rizvi said.

Umar was charged on two counts of not reporting offers made to him to spot-fix in Pakistan Super League. Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan imposed a three-year-ban on Umar while a detailed order will be released later.