ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s anti-corruption unit has summoned test cricketer Umar Akmal to explain his claims about a fixing approach allegedly made to him during the 2015 World Cup.
In a recent interview with local television channel ‘Samaa’ Akmal claimed he was offered $200,000 for “leaving two balls alone” during the World Cup match against India in 2015.
The PCB said in a statement that Akmal should appear before its anti-corruption unit on Wednesday and explain his comments.
Akmal told the TV channel that he was always offered money whenever he played against India, “but I told those people that I am very sincere about playing for Pakistan and to not talk to me on this topic ever again.”
The Dubai-based International Cricket Council, the sport’s governing body, also said it wanted to talk to Akmal “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 Mr.Akmal as a matter of urgency.”
The temperamental 28-year-old Akmal has played just 16 test matches since making his debut in 2009 against New Zealand.
He played the last of his 116 ODIs against Australia in January last year. He also represented Pakistan in 82 Twenty20 internationals but has not played a T20 international since playing against the West Indies in 2016.
He has been at the center of controversies which led to him being ousted from Pakistan’s limited-overs teams.
Just before last year’s Champions Trophy — which Pakistan won — he was sent home after failing fitness tests. He was also fined and banned for three matches for criticizing coach Mickey Arthur in September last year.
PCB’s anti-corruption unit summons Akmal over fixing claims
PCB’s anti-corruption unit summons Akmal over fixing claims
- In a recent interview with local television channel, Akmal claimed he was offered $200,000 for “leaving two balls alone” during the World Cup match against India in 2015
- The PCB said in a statement that Akmal should appear before its anti-corruption unit on Wednesday and explain his comments
Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform
- Move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates
- Anis Sajan: Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket
DUBAI: Danube Group has entered the digital sports media sector with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first cricket-focused digital media platform, under the leadership of its vice chairman, Anis Sajan.
The move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, expanding its footprint beyond real estate, retail, building materials and hospitality into the fast-growing digital sports media landscape. The platform reflects Danube Group’s strategy of diversification and its focus on consumer-driven, high-growth sectors.
The launch event in Dubai was attended by several international cricket stars, including Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Khurram Khan, alongside figures from across the regional sports community.
Speaking at the launch, Sajan said: “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”
Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the first digital media house in the UAE dedicated exclusively to cricket. The platform will initially focus on cricket content, drawing on the UAE’s strong connection to the sport and Sajan’s global network, before expanding into coverage of other major sports as part of a long-term plan to evolve into a multi-sport digital platform.
The platform will offer a wide range of content, including live and real-time cricket coverage, exclusive interviews with international players, premium digital video productions, studio shows, social-first short-form content, documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture, and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues.
The launch comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global cricket landscape, having hosted major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 competitions and numerous international fixtures.
“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers,” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”
Danube Group said the move aligns with its long-term vision of innovation, diversification and community engagement, with digital sports media forming a new vertical that combines technology, entertainment and culture.
Sajan underlined the personal significance of the project, saying: “Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business.”
