PCB chief to investigate Umar Akmal’s fitness test in Pakistan

Umar Akmal was recalled from England and was removed from the Champions Trophy squad after he failed to clear two fitness tests during the eight-team tournament’s preparation camp in Birmingham.

Published : May 24, 2017 15:52 IST

Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal failed the fitness test in England costing him a position in the Champions Trophy squad.
Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal failed the fitness test in England costing him a position in the Champions Trophy squad.
lightbox-info

Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal failed the fitness test in England costing him a position in the Champions Trophy squad.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will investigate middle-order batsman Umar Akmal's fitness-test fiasco, the board's chief Shaharyar Khan has said. Akmal managed to pass the fitness test in Pakistan, despite the latter failing the same test in England which resulted in his removal from the Champions Trophy squad.

"It’s a matter of concern for us. We will investigate this matter to fix responsibility. We have to see if Umar really got unfit after reaching England or his test taken in Pakistan had flaws,” Shaharyar said.

Akmal was recalled from England and was removed from the Champions Trophy after he failed to clear two fitness tests during the eight-team tournament’s preparation camp in Birmingham.

On Tuesday, PCB called Haris Sohail, left-handed batsman Umar Amin and right-handed batsman Asif Zakir at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Lahore to participate in the fitness test, where Haris was adjudged the best among the trio “based on the reports submitted by the trainer”.

Earlier, Akmal had failed the test during a short conditioning camp in Lahore and was not considered for the West Indies tour.

Meanwhile, Shaharyar further revealed that he would not contest for PCB chairmanship again. “I have decided not to contest polls for chairmanship,” said the 83 year-old, who was speaking at the Parliament House where he came to attend a meeting of Senate’s Standing Committee on inter-provincial coordination, which could not be held due to shortage of quorum.

Pakistan will begin its Champions Trophy campaign against India in its first match on June 4 in Birmingham. After the India clash, Pakistan will play South Africa (in Birmingham on June 7) and Sri Lanka (in Cardiff on June 12).

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment