Epileptic seizures: Umar Akmal to see neurologist

KARACHI: Batsman and recently assigned duties of keeping the wickets, Umar Akmal will see a neurologist for further testing after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure which forced his withdrawal from the Zimbabwe tour, an official said Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Umar reportedly suffered seizure during his team's flight to Jamaica last week and was promtply rushed back home for medical treatment.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said further professional advice will be taken on Umar, who on his return Tuesday insisted he was fit to play despite the scare.

"The PCB is arranging an appointment for Umar with a neurologist to seek professional advice on his medical condition," a PCB spokesman said.

Medical reports from the West Indies suspected a seizure but PCB wants to reassess Umar's condition.

"It (the appointment) is one of the steps that the PCB will be undertaking in assessing the medical problem that occurred to Umar while he was in the West Indies," the official added.

Umar was dropped from Pakistan's failed campaign in the Champions Trophy in June earlier this year but made a successful return in the series against the West Indies last month.

He stayed back in the Caribbean and featured in the League for Barbados Tridents.

Neurologist Dr Saad Shafqat, who is also a well known cricket writer, said Umar would not have to worry as long as the MRI is clear.

"If MRI is clear then there will be no problems, it will be controlled," Shafqat told AFP. "At Umar's age epilepsy is light and we don't take it as a serious disease."

Umar made his mark at international cricket with a debut Test hundred in New Zealand in 2009.

He has so far played 16 Tests, 76 one-day and 45 Twenty20 internationals.