Umar Akmal to meet neurologists, announces PCB
No other clarifications provided as Sarfraz departs for Zimbabwe tour.
A PCB official stated that Umar Akmal’s appointment with neurologists was the first move in a series of steps that the PCB were going to undertake in assessing his medical condition. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) failed to put an end to the drama surrounding Umar Akmal’s health condition, providing incomplete information regarding the batsman’s current situation.
Yesterday, the board maintained silence on Umar’s claims that he was completely fit, and their only response was a media statement declaring that the PCB had arranged an appointment for him with neurologists. The panel of doctors was to give their professional advice on his medical condition, but no other details were provided.
“It is one in a series of steps that the PCB will be undertaking in assessing the medical problem,” said a PCB spokesperson.
“Umar is an asset to Pakistan and it is important that all necessary measures are taken so that the PCB is assured of his availability to play for Pakistan without a risk to his health.”
Earlier yesterday, PCB’s General Manager Sports Medicine Dr Sohail Saleem had said the situation would be clarified in the evening [yesterday] after reports of the new MRI were obtained. But he could not be reached later.
However, another official confirmed that the PCB had made the announcement after getting the MRI reports, but claimed he was unaware of the details.
Misbah unaware of Umar’s condition
National Test and One-Day International captain Misbahul Haq, who also featured in the CPL, expressed his lack of knowledge regarding the situation.
“I have no information,” said Misbah, who returned from the West Indies yesterday.
“I wasn’t in contact with Umar. I can only speak in relation to the situation after speaking to the board. All I know is that he was advised rest and had to undergo scans. Only after thorough examinations can anything be said.”
Misbah, who played a successful Caribbean Premier League, said he enjoyed the tournament. “I am not hundred% satisfied with my performance, but overall I enjoyed the league,” he said, before stressing that Pakistan should also initiate such leagues.“Our youngsters are not getting this kind of an exposure. We could start it at other venues if it is not possible on home soil.”
Meanwhile, with regards to the upcoming Zimbabwe series, the captain said it was an excellent opportunity for youngsters to prove their mettle while adding that he refused to make a return to international Twenty20 cricket when a follow-up question arose.
“I will not reverse my decision. Pakistan is progressing well under Mohammad Hafeez and the youngsters are doing a good job.”
Sarfraz gets Zimbabwe visa
Sarfraz Ahmed headed to Zimbabwe via Dubai after finally obtaining his visa yesterday evening. Adnan Akmal, who is part of Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour, was on stand-by due to a delay in Sarfraz’s visa.
“Sarfraz obtained the visa and he will leave for Zimbabwe to replace Umar,” confirmed a PCB official.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2013.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) failed to put an end to the drama surrounding Umar Akmal’s health condition, providing incomplete information regarding the batsman’s current situation.
Yesterday, the board maintained silence on Umar’s claims that he was completely fit, and their only response was a media statement declaring that the PCB had arranged an appointment for him with neurologists. The panel of doctors was to give their professional advice on his medical condition, but no other details were provided.
“It is one in a series of steps that the PCB will be undertaking in assessing the medical problem,” said a PCB spokesperson.
“Umar is an asset to Pakistan and it is important that all necessary measures are taken so that the PCB is assured of his availability to play for Pakistan without a risk to his health.”
Earlier yesterday, PCB’s General Manager Sports Medicine Dr Sohail Saleem had said the situation would be clarified in the evening [yesterday] after reports of the new MRI were obtained. But he could not be reached later.
However, another official confirmed that the PCB had made the announcement after getting the MRI reports, but claimed he was unaware of the details.
Misbah unaware of Umar’s condition
National Test and One-Day International captain Misbahul Haq, who also featured in the CPL, expressed his lack of knowledge regarding the situation.
“I have no information,” said Misbah, who returned from the West Indies yesterday.
“I wasn’t in contact with Umar. I can only speak in relation to the situation after speaking to the board. All I know is that he was advised rest and had to undergo scans. Only after thorough examinations can anything be said.”
Misbah, who played a successful Caribbean Premier League, said he enjoyed the tournament. “I am not hundred% satisfied with my performance, but overall I enjoyed the league,” he said, before stressing that Pakistan should also initiate such leagues.“Our youngsters are not getting this kind of an exposure. We could start it at other venues if it is not possible on home soil.”
Meanwhile, with regards to the upcoming Zimbabwe series, the captain said it was an excellent opportunity for youngsters to prove their mettle while adding that he refused to make a return to international Twenty20 cricket when a follow-up question arose.
“I will not reverse my decision. Pakistan is progressing well under Mohammad Hafeez and the youngsters are doing a good job.”
Sarfraz gets Zimbabwe visa
Sarfraz Ahmed headed to Zimbabwe via Dubai after finally obtaining his visa yesterday evening. Adnan Akmal, who is part of Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour, was on stand-by due to a delay in Sarfraz’s visa.
“Sarfraz obtained the visa and he will leave for Zimbabwe to replace Umar,” confirmed a PCB official.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2013.