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Internet Desk: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to dismiss batsman Umar Akmal from the Champions Trophy squad after he failed to clear the second fitness test within a span of two months.
“He has failed two fitness tests during the ongoing camp there in England ahead of Champions Trophy,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan as saying.
“So, since we have a policy not to carry unfit players, it has been decided to call him back and send a replacement. We have a deadline until May 25 so we are deliberating on the possible replacements,” he added.
“We had a set a fitness standard which isn’t really a tough one to start with,” said chief PCB selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said.
“But he (Akmal) still didn’t meet the average level. So whoever the player is, whatever his performance is like, we could not select him. Akmal being dropped is a reprimand and it’s a major blow for any player. He is a good player, we needed him, but we had to take a decision,” he added.
Akmal was levied a fine as well as issued a warning by the PCB on account of misconduct in a match of a domestic tournament. He was involved in a fight last month with Junaid Khan during the Pakistan Cup.
Pakistan will face their arch rivals India in their first match of the ICC Champuions Trophy which is scheduled to take place in Birmingham on 4th June.