Commenting on the recent controversy surrounding Umar Akmal, Pakistan T20 Captain Shahid Afridi said on Saturday that the test cricketer should be allowed to play the upcoming T20 series against England if proven not guilty.
According to reports, the T20 captain has also contacted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed and requested him to include Umar in the team once the report declares him innocent.
A police report deciding the fate of Umar will be presented in a day or two to the PCB.
Umar was dropped from the T20 side after reports emerged that he was taken into police custody at a dance party in Hyderabad.
Earlier, former Pakistan middle-order batsman Basit Ali had defended Umar, saying the latter was innocent until proven guilty.
“It was Umar Waheed who is a tape-ball player. He was caught, not Umar Akmal,” said Basit, who is also the junior selection committee head.