Umar Akmal cleared by neurologist

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been cleared by a neurologist with "no restriction on physical activity or exertion" after he suffered a seizure during the Caribbean Premier League last month.

Akmal, 23, who was playing for Barbados Tridents in the CPL, suffered a seizure on a flight to Jamaica and had to spend a night in the hospital. The PCB asked Akmal to return to Pakistan immediately for an extensive medical examination by neurologist, Dr Nadir Ali Syed.

Syed confirmed that the seizure was triggered due to sleep deprivation. The doctor also confirmed that Akmal did not need medication or any further medical tests at this time. The clean bill of health means that the wicketkeeper-batsman is now available for national selection.

The PCB said: "According to him (Nadir), it was a one-off incident, a relatively common occurrence and does not necessitate any restrictions on Mr. Akmal, other than ensuring at least 6-7 hours of sleep every night."

Akmal expressed his gratitude for the support he got from the board. "I am really grateful to the PCB, in particular Chairman Sethi Sahib, for being extremely caring and providing me every possible support including great personal care and counselling," he said.

Despite asserting to the board that he was fully fit for national selection, Akmal was declared "medically unfit" by the PCB. He was replaced by wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed for the limited-overs leg of the Zimbabwe tour.

Akmal, who had missed out on the South Africa tour and the Champions Trophy, was recently awarded a cash prize of Rs. 600,000 (USD $6000) for strong performances in the limited-overs series against West Indies. He was the second-highest run-getter on the tour, scoring 175 runs in 5 ODIs at an average of 58.33. Akmal's run in the CPL, however, was disappointing as he scored 49 runs at an average of 8.16 in six matches.