Umar Akmal hits out at national coach Mickey Arthur

On Wednesday, Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal spoke to the media, saying that Pakistan national head coach, the South African Mickey Arthur, verbally abused him during an argument.

According to Akmal, Arthur also barred him from using the training facilities at the National Cricket Council, depriving him of an opportunity to improve himself.

“He (Mickey Arthur) told me to play club-level cricket instead of coming to the academy. Arthur was also abusive towards other players,” Pakistani media quoted Akmal saying.

Pakistan coach Arthur responds to Akmal allegations

Arthur responded to the accusations, saying that he had never abused the cricketer, however, he said he had stopped him from using the services of the coaching staff.

"Umar Akmal cannot expect that the support staff, who are for contracted players, are at his beck and call. Nobody there should be taken for granted," said Arthur.

PCB issues show cause notice to Akmal

One day after the allegations, the PCB issued a show-cause notice to Akmal for breaching its code of conduct, requiring him to show his reason for his outburst.

According to a PCB official, Akmal breached clauses of his player’s contract that bars players from talking to the media without first getting permission from authorities.

Akmal says he will respond to the PCB’s notice

"I am not at fault in this matter so I am not worried and I will respond with the truth. They are witnesses to what happened," he said.

Akmal: used to controversies

27-year-old Umar Akmal has a reputation for being frequently involved in controversies. In 2014, he was arrested in Lahore after fighting with a traffic warden. He has also been involved in regular spats with other players, being the most recent one with Junaid Khan.

Lack of fitness

Akmal was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the last ICC Champions Trophy after failing two consecutive fitness tests in two months.