Umar Akmal’s 18-month ban reduced to one year by CAS
Akmal can now play cricket after paying Rs4.25 million fine
February 26, 2021 01:04 PM
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has reduced the 18-month ban on stylish Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal to one year, implying that the dashing hitter can now play cricket by paying the fine of Rs4.25 million, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
As per the CAS order, Umar Akmal’s one-year ban ended this month as he was barred from playing in February 2020. Accordingly, he can now play crickets after paying the fine slapped by the CAS.
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has announced its decision on the appeals filed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and dashing Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal against the Order of the Independent Adjudicator.
The CAS through a consolidated Order on both appeals has been pleased to impose on Umar Akmal a sanction of a 12-month ban and a fine of PKR4.25 million on one count of breaching Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.
Umar Akmal, who was suspended on 20 February 2020, will now be eligible to reintegrate into competitive cricket subject to deposits of PKR4,250,000 fine and undergoing the programme of rehabilitation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.
The CAS has also refused the request of Umar Akmal seeking return of his two mobile phones, which are in PCB’s custody for some different investigation and held that under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code it has the power to do so.
On 27 April 2020, the Chairman Disciplinary Panel had found Umar Akmal guilty on two charges of separate breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents and handed a three-year suspension with the periods of ineligibility to run concurrently.
Umar Akmal exercised his right of appeal and on 29 July 2020, the Independent Adjudicator modified the sentence and reduced the ineligibility period to 18 months.
Against this Order, the PCB and Umar Akmal both approached the CAS. PCB’s appeal had been filed focusing on a point of law with regard to the cumulative operation of the sanctions for the two charges upheld by the Independent Adjudicator whereas Umar Akmal had sought a finding that he was not guilty for both charges.
“The PCB once again urges and reminds all participants to abide by their duty and promptly report any approaches to the anti-corruption offices and help themselves as well as the anti-corruption unit effort to eliminate the anathema of fixing.”