Umar Akmal fails fitness test, axed from Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy squad

Umar Akmal has been removed from Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy squad after he failed to clear a fitness test

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been removed from the country’s ICC Champions Trophy squad after he failed to clear a second fitness test in two months.

Pakistan’s Umar Akmal failed to clear a fitness test, leading to his removal from the ICC Champions Trophy squad.(Getty Images)

“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.

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“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.

Last week, the PCB had imposed a fine, besides issuing a warning to the right-handed batsman over misconduct during a domestic tournament last month.

He was also involved in a spat with Junaid Khan during the Pakistan Cup.

Pakistan will face India in their first match of the Champions Trophy on June 4 in Birmingham, England.

(With inputs from ANI)