Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, in an interview with local media on Tuesday, defended his brother Umar Akmal after reports claiming the younger Akmal exposed himself to his fitness trainer out of anger during a fitness test earlier this week.
According to Kamran, the incident did not take place as it was reported and instead asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bring the concerned parties together in a bid to sort out the matter.
"I don’t think anything like that happened. If something like this happened then they should call the parties involved. As I said, I believe no arguments occurred," Kamran said.
"I hope the PCB calls all the parties involved and clears out whatever it is. If anything he should be given a warning and asked to move on," the 38-year-old added.
He clarified that it was the job of the fitness trainer to help their trainees bounce back if they are not meeting the set criteria. "If the players are not living up to the requirements, then I think it is the job of the trainer to work things out," he stated.
The batsman also lauded his brother’s efforts, adding that it was upsetting to learn the news of his exclusion from the national side.
In addition, Kamran went on to say that fitness tests have become much harder than before and stressed over the fact that skills should be prioritised over fitness.
"Honestly I can say that he has worked really hard. We are all sad about his exclusion from the national side. The new test is not that easy; it has become increasingly hard now. I think if you work on your skills it automatically enhances your fitness," he added.
Earlier this week it was reported that Umar, having failed a fitness test, took off his shirt in front of the trainer and asked him to show "charbee kahan hai (where the fat is on my body)".
The National Cricket Academy coaching staff has reportedly lodged a complaint with the PCB regarding Umar's behaviour, and it is expected that action will be taken against him.
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