Veteran Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has supported his younger brother Umar Akmal, who has recently faced a ban for allegedly misbehaving at a fitness test. Kamran said he was just joking and didn’t have any intention to offend anyone. Umar made some remarks to their trainer Yasir when the skin-folding test was going on at the National Cricket Academy.

However, the matter has been reported to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Umar will face the prospect of being banned from the next domestic tournament.

“Umar and Yasir have studied together and are friends so I think whatever Umar said was in a lighter mood and he didn’t have any intention to misbehave with anyone,” Kamran Akmal said on the Gsports show on GTV News Channel.

On the other hand, Kamran Akmal too should think about his career as he skipped two fitness tests and failed when he finally gave it.

“Umar could find himself banned from playing in the coming national one-day championship,” the source said.

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“But as usual this incident has been overblown in the media. Because Umar didn’t do anything intentionally. He was just joking,” said Kamran. “But if the PCB feels in its inquiry he has done something wrong they should caution and reprimand him. He can also apologize but a ban would be very harsh.”

While talking about his failing the fitness test, Kamran Akmal said he had always tried to give his best for the last 20 overs. Moreover, he said that the players should be given the proper chance to prepare for these fitness tests.

“Even this season I have constantly played in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the national T20 championship without any problems with my match fitness and I have also performed well,” said the 38-year-old. “I just think nowadays there is over stress on fitness rather than on improving match skills of players.”

“But I or Umar have no issues with trying to meet the new fitness standards. The new tests are pretty tough for anyone so I think players must be given a chance to prepare for these tests,” he concluded.