Published: May 17, 2017, 08:46 PM (IST)
Edited: May 17, 2017, 08:46 PM (IST)
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have fined batsman Umar Akmal and fast bowler Junaid Khan after they clashed when the latter missed a Pakistan Cup match due to health-related problem. Umar, captaining Punjab, suggested the fast bowler was missing the match deliberately, prompting Junaid to use a video statement to angrily hit back. “The PCB has imposed a fine of 50 per cent of the match fee to Umar and Junaid for their misconduct at the Pakistan Cup held last month in Rawalpindi,” said a PCB release. “The Board has also warned the two players that they will be under observation for a month starting 18th May and re-occurrence of breach of discipline will lead to one month suspension.” READ: Internal conflict in Pakistan team comes to fore as Junaid Khan-Umar Akmal get involved in verbal spat
The issue began when Akmal said this in a match. “I just found out when I walked into the ground that he [Junaid] is absent. I am very surprised. The manager and coach told me he is not going to be playing today. It’s shocking news for me, as captain,” Akmal had said in a television interview. Umar has been involved in various discipline breaches in the past, including a brawl with a traffic police official in 2014 which landed him in jail for one day. The PCB had set up a three-member committee to investigate the issue.
In response to that, Junaid released a video in which he said, “I am saddened to hear the remarks Umar Akmal made on television, saying ‘I ran away from the team’. I have not run away,” Junaid had said. “I am dealing with food poisoning and the team management is aware of it. In fact, I was advised by the team doctor not to play today. Umar Akmal knew of this, and it was a shock for me to hear him say what he did, and I don’t know why he said it.” Junaid had added.
(With inputs from AFP)
