It was a relieved PCB that welcomed the encouraging news of Umar’s medical condition. PHOTO: AFP
The 23-year-old was withdrawn from the limited over squad for the Zimbabwe tour after collapsing during a stint in the Caribbean league last month.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ordered Umar to undergo medical tests and yesterday declared him fit.
“We hope that Umar can now live up to his immense potential and be able to serve Pakistan cricket with distinction in the months and years to come,” said PCB caretaker chairman Najam Sethi.
The board said a top Pakistani neurologist had given Umar ‘a clean bill of health’ with ‘no restriction on physical activity’ and ‘no need for medication or any further medical tests’.
The report, the PCB said, diagnosed ‘lack of sleep’.
“The condition is a one-off but relatively common phenomenon that does not necessitate any restrictions on him other than getting at least six to seven hours of sleep a night,” said the neurologist.
“This is really good news for Umar. The PCB is now relieved at the prognosis and removal of doubts on his health.”
Umar expressed his gratitude for the support he got from the board. “I am really grateful to the PCB for being extremely caring and providing me every possible support including great personal care and counselling,” he said.
Umar, who has so far played 16 Tests, 76 One-Day and 45 Twenty20 internationals, is regarded as Pakistan’s most talented batsman produced in the last 10 years.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2013.
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