Akmal in dock after coach clash

UMAR Akmal faces sanction from the Pakistan Cricket Board after an outburst against national coach Mickey Arthur.

Akmal was unhappy with Arthur’s treatment of him, insulting the coach, saying he refused him access to the coaching facilities at the National Cricket Academy.

“I accept my fitness isn’t up to the mark, and I am trying to work on it, and I asked to be allowed a trainer to help me,” Akmal said.

“But Mickey said I shouldn’t even have come to the NCA and should be playing club cricket instead.

“Why do academies exist? They exist to correct our mistakes. Now you should tell me what to do; I am a Pakistan player.”

Akmal also claimed Arthur’s language as “demeaning and insulting” but the PCB have now said a ‘show-cause’ notice has been issued to Akmal following the outburst.

Arthur, who had sent Akmal back from the Champions Trophy squad in England for failing fitness tests, confirmed an exchange of words with Akmal.

“I did tell him a few home truths and said he was always looking for excuses instead of looking at himself,”the former South Africa and Australia coach told ESPNcricinfo.

“I also told him that he had to earn the right to use our support staff because he is not a contracted cricketer. He can’t just walk in here and demand what he wants.”