PCB summons Umar Akmal over fixing approach claim
Lahore, June 25 : The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has summoned Umar Akmal on Wednesday after the batsman claimed in a TV interview that he was approached to fix matches, especially the contest against arch-rivals India in the 2015 ICC World Cup.
Akmal even went on to claim that he got spot-fixing offers every single time Pakistan played India, which has majorly been in ICC tournaments or the Asia Cup.
Besides the matches against India, Akmal revealed that he was also approached to fix matches in the Hong Kong Super Sixes, Pakistan's series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.
Akmal reportedly said he was made the offer in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand -- a tournament in which Pakistan went till the quarterfinal stage.
Pakistan and India were in Group B and played their only contest at the Adelaide Oval where India maintained their unbeaten run against Pakistan in World Cup history, winning by 76 runs.
Akmal faced a mere four balls and fell for a duck to left-arm orthodox Ravindra Jadeja.
"I had got an offer during the World Cup to leave two balls alone and they were willing to pay me $200,000 for that," Akmal said in the interview with Samaa TV.
"It was our first match against India in the 2015 World Cup... in fact, every match I play against India, they offer me money to make some excuse and opt out of the game. But I have told those people that I am very sincere about playing for Pakistan and to not talk to me on this topic ever again," he added.
Akmal's claims invited quick action with the PCB asking the 28-year-old to explain his comments.
"Notice served to Umar Akmal. He has been asked to appear before PCB Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) on June 27," a tweet from the PCB's handle read.
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) also sprung into action, saying that it wished to speak with the cricketer urgently.
"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," the ICC said in a statement.
"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 Akmal as a matter of urgency. Our Anti-Corruption Unit is committed to working to uphold integrity in cricket and would urge anyone with any information to contact us via contactacu@icc-cricket.com," the ICC statement added.
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Pushpa bows down to no one, but will do so for you: Allu Arjun to fans at 'Pushpa 2' trailer launch
New Delhi, Nov 17: Telugu star Allu Arjun, who launched the trailer of his upcoming film "Pushpa 2: The Rule" in Patna on Sunday, expressed gratitude to fans for showering their love on him by turning up in huge numbers for the event.
"Pushpa 2" is directed by Sukumar and also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil.
The trailer of the much-awaited sequel to 2021's "Pushpa: The Rise" was unveiled at the jam-packed Gandhi Maidan in the Bihar capital. Also present at the event was Rashmika, who plays Srivalli to Arjun's gangster Pushpa Raj.
It was Arjun's first visit to Bihar.
"I am grateful to all of you for your love and warm welcome," he said at the event.
"Pushpa kabhi jhukega nahin, lekin aaj pehli baar, aapke pyaar ke liye jhukega (Pushpa will never bow down in front of anyone, but for the first time, he will bow down only for your love)" the National Award winner said in reference to his popular dialogue from the 2021 original film.
"Thank you Patna, you have given me a lot of love," Arjun said as he asked the audience to forgive him for his "thoda galat" (poor) Hindi speaking skills.
A stampede-like situation erupted at the venue before the trailer launch began following which police resorted to a mild lathicharge to control the crowd.
Videos of a section of spectators from the same event hurling slippers towards the stage also started circulating on social media on Sunday evening.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings with music on T-Series, "Pushpa 2" will be released on December 5.
PUSHPA! PUSHPA! PUSHPA! PUSHPA! PUSHPA!
— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) November 17, 2024
𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐧𝐚 is packed with crowd for a historical evening ❤️🔥
The massive #Pushpa2TheRuleTrailer Launch Event begins soon!
▶️https://t.co/mcCyP4TAZ6
Digital Launch at 6.03 PM 🔥#PatnaWelcomesPushpaRaj… pic.twitter.com/8Mtnyreu1K
