Akmal will now be allowed to play the first Twenty20 International against New Zealand

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal will be allowed to play in the first Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Auckland on Friday after his one-match ban was put on hold.

Akmal was given permission to feature in the first Twenty20 International against he decided to appeal against the suspension, which he was slapped with after violating a clothing policy during the the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Akmal had been reprimanded for the same offence twice in the past and was subsequently handed a one-match ban, which was applicable to any level of cricket.

With Pakistan’s Twenty20 International against New Zealand on Friday being Akmal’s next match, it was set to be the one he missed as a result of the ban. However, this will not be the case any more as his ban will remain suspended until a tribunal reaches a verdict on his appeal.

“Umar has advised PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) that he wishes to appeal against the ban,” the PCB said. “Since Umar has opted to appeal against the decision, hence as per the PCB’s regulations, the penalty of one match will remain suspended until the decision of appellate tribunal.”