Banned Akmal refuses to divulge details of two meetings with suspected bookies: PCB sources

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has refused to divulge details of his two meetings with suspected bookies before the Disciplinary Panel which handed him a three-year ban after a hearing, according to Board sources.

According to the source, Akmal had a meeting with two unidentified men in Defence Housing Society in Lahore.

"Umar claims both these gentlemen met him at parties thrown by friends in DHA. But he has refused to even tell the Anti-Corruption officials what was discussed at these meetings," a reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board told PTI.

"Even when the Anti-Corruption officials first presented their report to him on the night between 19th and 20th February in Karachi, Akmal admitted he committed a mistake by not reporting the meetings to them but refrained from giving any details, the source said.

Akmal was found guilty of two charges under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code and on April 27, he was banned from cricket activities till February 19, 2023.

The 29-year-old has 14 days to appeal against the punishment of two three-year bans which will run concurrently and the PCB will appoint an independent adjudicator to hear it. Sources close to Akmal said he has started consulting some lawyers on the matter and will file an appeal.

The PCB source said Akmal also gave conflicting statements before the Disciplinary Panel hearing on April 27.

"He refused to cooperate with the Disciplinary Panel Judge who advised him to come clean and cooperate with the inquiry," the source said.

"Umar acted very strange. On One hand, he admits he should have reported the meetings to the PCB but yet refuses to give any details of what was discussed at these meetings."