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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Uppinangady: Sayyidul Ulama inaugurates 'Muallim Manzil' for poor madrasa teachers
Uppinangady: Sayyidul Ulama Sayyid Jifri Muthukoya Tangal inaugurated the "Muallim Manzil," a housing project for underprivileged madrasa teachers, at Jogibettu on Wednesday. The project was organized by the D.K. illa Jamiyyathul Muallimeen under the Samastha Kerala Jam-iyyathul Muallimeen Central Council (SKJMCC).
The key to the Muallim Manzil house was ceremoniously handed over to Abubakar Siddique Darimi, the beneficiary of the initiative, aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged madrasa educators.
Prominent attendees included Shamsuddin Darimi Pammale, president of the District Jamiyyathul Muallimeen, secretary Muhammad Navvi Bellare, treasurer Ibrahim Darimi Kadaba, as well as other district representatives, were present during the program.
Also present were KH Ashraf Hanifi, president of the Uppinangady Range Jamiyyathul Muallimeen, general secretary Abdul Jabbar Aslami, treasurer Abdurahman Haji Kollejal, and chairman Zakaria Musliyar.
The event also saw participation from IT Coordinator Abdurazak Darimi, range representatives, Ismail Thanal Uppinangadi, chairman of Vikhaya, and representatives of SKSSF from the Uppinangady zone, along with various Ulama Umrahs.
