Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has come up with a surprising statement which grabbed the eyeballs of the public. In a recent interview to Samaa TV, he said that he was approached by bookies to skip two balls in a match for USD $2,00,000 and also to opt out of games against India.
He mentioned that these incidents took place in the 2015 World Cup at Australia when Pakistan failed to qualify to the semis after the defeat against Australia. Though the quarterfinal was known for the fiery spell of Wahab Riaz, these claims from Umar Akmal are really a bolt from the blue.
Player approaches are a menace in many sporting disciplines, however, it all depends on how the individual approaches the situation. Meanwhile, most sporting league around the world witness betting. It is no different for FIFA world cup 2018.
ICC reacted the same and in its release; it said “The ICC is aware of a recent interview given by Umar Akmal. Whilst we note that there is no suggestion that any “fix” actually took place, the ICC is reliant on players to report any corrupt approaches in a timely manner. This is critical to our efforts to gather information on potential “fixers” and to disrupt and prevent their efforts to corrupt the game. As such we are taking Akmal”s comments very seriously. We have launched an investigation and wish to speak to Mr Akmal as a matter of urgency.”
Umar Akmal has claimed that in the 2015 World Cup he was offered $200,000 to leave alone 2 balls he faced when batting #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 24, 2018
It is to be noted that Mohammed Asif, Salman Butt and Sharjeel Khan were involved in spot-fixing scandals earlier. According to ICC rules and regulations, a player should immediately report about the corrupt happenings failing which a five-year ban will be imposed on him.
https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/1010792129659113473
The Anti-Corruption Unit of Pakistan Cricket Board has summoned Umar regarding the same to appear on June 27 and further details are awaited.
Twitter really went wild for this news and several cricket fans started trolling Umar for his claims. A fan mentioned, “Yes, he did not accept the money as he wasn”t sure if he can stay for two balls at the crease.”
Twitter Reactions:-Â Â
https://twitter.com/Seventh__Sky/status/1010802839122251777
https://twitter.com/withmyangle/status/1010807513858469888
Par usne liye nahi kyuki usko doubt tha 2 ball tak crease pe tik payega ya nahi. 😂
— SubbuS (@Subbu_06) June 24, 2018
He said no coz he didn’t have the capability to play 2 deliveries 😇
— Omair Alavi عمیر علوی (@omair78) June 24, 2018
"In the World Cup,I was offered to leave 2 balls and was offered $200,000 to do so.’ – Umar Akmal
And this was his performance in that game:#PCB #UmarAkmal pic.twitter.com/8YOcN7lr6P
— Cricistan.com (@Cricistan) June 24, 2018
Lets offer him 2 million dollars to promise he and his brothers would stay away from any sports in Pakistan
— A Mullick (@atifmullick) June 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/imPakistaniLAD/status/1010847379862548480
I have no doubt in 10 years time Ahmed Shehzad & Umar Akmal will turn into bitter analyst on tv like Sarfaraz Nawaz & Sikander Bakht. They will blame PCB, management, coaching staff & everyone else for their failed careers except themselves.
— Osama. (@ashaqeens) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/AmarahZahid/status/1011131919013171200
https://twitter.com/its_tabrez_/status/1010938075755700225
Believe me many people tried but Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal ruined careers on their own.#TeamSelection
— Ibrahim Badees (@IbrahimBadees) June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/AqeelSays_/status/1009475523976851456
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/R8442Pd2RY
— Abhishek ︎ (@ImAbhishek7_) June 24, 2018
