The Pakistan cricketer, Umar Akmal was suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday under the Anti-Corruption Code, a statement from the board said. The 29-year-old batsman has received suspension with immediate effect under Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which means he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Earlier this month, reports of the batsman exposing himself during a skin-fold test had emerged. Akmal had exposed himself entirely during the skin-fold test, asking his trainer, “Where is the fat?” His action was defended by his elder brother Kamran Akmal who termed the entire incident as nothing more than a “misunderstanding”, adding that Umar had done it in “mischief.”

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Akmal plays for Quetta Gladiators, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise will be allowed to apply for his replacement. The defending champions will take on two-time former winners Islamabad United in the tournament opener at Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday.

The 29-year-old, who last played for Pakistan in October, has featured in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is.

The PCB did not get into the specifics of the breach committed by Akmal. In a statement released by the board, they said, “The Pakistan Cricket Board today suspended Umar Akmal with immediate effect…he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit. s this is an ongoing investigation, the PCB will not make any further comments.”

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It further added, “As this is an ongoing investigation, the PCB will not make any further comments. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators are allowed to apply for Umar Akmal’s replacement in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020.”