PCB's anti-corruption unit summons Akmal over fixing claims

Published Jun. 25, 2018 9:44 a.m. ET

ISLAMABAD (AP) The Pakistan Cricket Board's anti-corruption unit has summoned test cricketer Umar Akmal to explain his claims about a fixing approach allegedly made to him during the 2015 World Cup.

In a recent interview with local television channel `Samaa' Akmal claimed he was offered $200,000 for ''leaving two balls alone'' during the World Cup match against India in 2015.

The PCB said in a statement that Akmal should appear before its anti-corruption unit on Wednesday and explain his comments.

Akmal told the TV channel that he was always offered money whenever he played against India, ''but I told those people that I am very sincere about playing for Pakistan and to not talk to me on this topic ever again.''

The Dubai-based International Cricket Council, the sport's governing body, also said it wanted to talk to Akmal ''urgently''.

''The ICC is aware of a recent interview given by Umar Akmal. Whilst we note that there is no suggestion that any `fix' actually took place, the ICC is reliant on players to report any corrupt approaches in a timely manner,'' the ICC said in a statement.

''This is critical to our efforts to gather information on potential `fixers' and to disrupt and prevent their efforts to corrupt the game. As such we are taking Akmal's comments very seriously.

''We have launched an investigation and wish to speak to Mr Akmal as a matter of urgency.''

The temperamental 28-year-old Akmal has played just 16 test matches since making his debut in 2009 against New Zealand.

He played the last of his 116 ODIs against Australia in January last year. He also represented Pakistan in 82 Twenty20 internationals but has not played a T20 international since playing against the West Indies in 2016.

He has been at the center of controversies which led to him being ousted from Pakistan's limited-overs teams.

Just before last year's Champions Trophy - which Pakistan won - he was sent home after failing fitness tests. He was also fined and banned for three matches for criticizing coach Mickey Arthur in September last year.