2 Feb 2014

Pakistani cricketer arrested

4:12 pm on 2 February 2014

Pakistan's middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has been arrested for violating traffic rules, interfering in government work and "scuffling" with a traffic official.

Police said the 23-year-old Akmal, whose brothers Kamran and Adnan also play for Pakistan, did not stop at a traffic signal in the commercial Firdous market area in Lahore, and later brawled with a traffic warden.

Akmal has denied the charges, claiming he had been assaulted by the traffic warden first.

He faces the prospect of a large fine or six months in prison if convicted.

Akmal has so far played 16 Tests, 89 one-day internationals and 52 Twenty20 for Pakistan in a career that began in 2009.

He is regarded as one of Pakistan's most talented batsman, but has failed to live up to his potential due to what's been described as his rashness in batting and approach.

He was dropped from the Test side in 2011, but regularly plays limited overs cricket.