Claims made against me are baseless: Umar Akmal

Pakistan right-hand batsman thanks T20 captain Shahid Afridi for supporting him

Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal said the recent media campaign against him was ‘hurtful’ and the claims made were ‘baseless’.

Umar was sent a show-cause notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board for acting unethically after media reports suggested that he attended a party in Hyderabad where he was participating in the on-going first-class cricket tournament, Quaid-e-Azam trophy.

Umar Akmal submitted the response to the PCB on Monday. He said he could not unveil the response to the media.



Later, he was also struck out of the Twenty20 squad against England in the UAE. Chairman Shahryar Khan, junior selection committee head Basit Ali and T20 captain Shahid Afridi were of the opinion that if Umar was proven not-guilty then he should be included in the squad.

Umar said he would tender an apology to everyone only if he was found to be guilty in the case.



“I am not answerable to anyone apart from the department I am playing for,” said Umar. “The PCB too will receive my explanation by tomorrow.”

“Cricket is my love and I want to represent Pakistan for a long period of time,” said the hard-hitting batsman.

Right-hand batsman also thanked Afridi for considering him an important part of the team.



“I am thankful to Afridi for backing me in this situation and considering me an important part of the team,” said Akmal.

Pakistan will play against England in a three-match T20 series starting November 26 in the UAE.

Umar Akmal was quoted by Daily Times