Karachi: Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal’s dancing skills off the pitch have landed him in trouble as the maverick middle-order batsman was fined 20 percent of his match fee for a night out in Dubai.
The 28-year-old talented yet indisciplined player was in the United Arab Emirates for a five-match series against Australia, which Pakistan lost 5-0 in Dubai Sunday.
But a video clip circulating on social media showed Umar attending a concert and dancing Friday night in Dubai. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement late Monday that Umar had apologised after team manager Talat Ali charged him with breaching the team’s curfew and going to a club, a violation of the rules for tours.
“I am glad that Umar has realised his mistake, and has accepted and apologised for his actions, which were clearly unprofessional and in no way can be ignored or overlooked,” PCB managing director Wasim Khan said.
“The PCB expects a high level of professionalism and commitment from its players, and this action is a reiteration and timely reminder that any indiscipline shall not be tolerated or accepted.”
Umar managed just 150 runs in the five matches — a disappointing show that could have a negative impact on his potential selection for the 2019 World Cup, to be held in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.