Improve your behaviour or face suspension: PCB warns Umar, Junaid

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a warning to middle-order batsman Umar Akmal and left-arm pacer Junaid Khan to improve their conduct if they want to avoid suspension which could vary from four to six weeks.

The two were engaged in argument when Akmal, captaining the Punjab province against Sindh at the Pakistan Cup clash in Rawalpindi, was asked about his team combination.

Akmal informed that all-rounder Nasir Nazir would be playing in place of Khan, who failed to turn up.

"I am just told that Junaid is absent. I am surprised. The manager and the coach have informed me that he is not going to play today. This is shocking information for me as captain," Akmal had said.

Just few minutes later, Junaid, in a video message on his social media account from his hotel room, expressed displeasure over Akmal's statement and said that the Punjab province skipper tried to give the impression that he was running away from the match.

"I am disappointed to hear what Akmal has said about me. He tried to give the impression that I ran away from the match. In fact, I am dealing with food poisoning and I have duly informed the team management about this. The team doctor has advised me rest," Junaid said.

Following the incident, the PCB had formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter, which has now completed its inquiry and sent the report to board chairman Shaharyar Khan.

Although an official decision in this regard will be made in next few days, according to the sources quoted by the Dawn, the committee has already warned both of them, saying they will be suspended if they don't improve their behaviour.

"Yes, it's going to be a warning for Junaid and Akmal. They now have to show exemplary conduct to avoid suspension," the sources said.