Umar Akmal exposes himself after failing fitness test, faces sanctions

Umar took off his clothes before the fitness trainer and asked ‘where is the fat’

Umar Akmal exposes himself after failing fitness test, faces sanctions [File] Umar Akmal has had issues with fitness in the past | AFP

Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal is likely to face sanctions from the country's cricket board after he reportedly misbehaved with a fitness trainer at the National Cricket Academy, having exposed himself and asking “where is the fat?”.

The wicket-keeper batsman is said to have removed his clothes in frustration after undergoing a fitness test and failed to get the required points. Umar went on to ask the trainer to show him where the fat is.

Bataye charbi kaha hain (tell me where is the fat),” he had asked.

Unar Akmal's behaviour was reported to officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board who will take a call on his punishment. As per reports, he is likely to be banned from Pakistan's next domestic tournament.

His elder brother and senior men's team member, Kamran Akmal, said that it was a “misunderstanding” and that Umar had done it “in mischief”, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The Akmal brothers have been constantly struggling with fitness issues for years. Kamran, who hasn't played for Pakistan since 2017, failed in all departments of a fitness test when he took one, having skipped two. Umar also had a falling out with the PCB on fitness grounds when the team was being coached by Mickey Arthur. He was sent home during the 2017 Champions Trophy after he failed a fitness test.

Since former captain Misbah ul Haq took over as head coach and selector, Pakistan cricket has pledged to maintain high fitness standards in all formats of the game, including international and domestic cricket.

Umar has scored 1,003 runs in 16 Tests he played for Pakistan. He has played 121 ODIs, accumulating 3,194 runs, with two centuries to his credit. The wicket-keeper batsman has also scored 1,690 runs from 84 T20s that includes eight half-centuries.