Fixing row continues: Reports say Pakistan's Umar Akmal was allegedly approached by bookies in 2012

Umar Akmal

Match-fixing cases continue to haunt the game of cricket; thereby reducing the credibility of the game across all formats. Reports claim that Pakistan's Umar Akmal was allegedly approached by bookies during his tour to UAE in 2012. However, the right hand batsman reported the matter to the security manager of his team immediately.

Sources also claim that the approach came from Pakistan cricket team's liaison officer who was based in Hong Kong. The officer, who wanted Akmal to underperform in the matches, was willing to offer luxurious gifts and cash to the cricketer.

"Umar after being pestered by this unknown caller informed the Pakistan team's security manager who brought the matter into the notice of the ICC's ACSU immediately," the source revealed according to PTI.

PCB chief, Najam Sethi confirmed the approach during the One day series in England. Akmal, who is the younger brother of Adnan Akmal and Kamran Akmal was appreciated for his spontaneity in reporting the matter to PCB.

However, admitting that these cases are not uncommon to Pakistan, the source stated, "Most of the players prefer to just ignore such approaches but eventually the team management does come to know about them,"

Other Pakistani players who have been accused of match and spot fixing include Shahid Afridi, Mazhar Majeed, Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir in their 2010 tour to England.