Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal stirred controversy with claims of bookies approaching him over spot-fixing. The right-handed batsman stated that he rejected their multiple requests and stayed loyal to his cause.

However, these comments could get him in trouble should he have not reported them to the ICC first. According to ICC anti-corruption code 2.4.4 and 2.4.5, players are obligated to report bookies’ approach towards them to the ICC and if a player fails to do so, he/she could be punished for a minimum of five years.

In a statement by an ICC spokesperson, the same thing was reiterated as they also added that they will be speaking to Umar Akmal as soon as possible.

“The ICC is aware of a recent interview given by Umar Akmal. Whilst we not that there is no suggestion that any fix actually took place, the ICC is reliant on players to report any corrupt approaches in timely manner,” said an ICC spokesman.

“We are taking Akmal’s comments very seriously. We have launched an investigation and wish to speak to Mr Akmal as matter of urgency,” the spokesman added.

Akmal, on one occasion, was apparently asked by a bookie to leave two balls in exchange of $200,000, but he refused to do so. While Akmal’s comments may have had good intentions, it could get him to trouble if ICC weren’t aware of it previously.