Claiming to have learnt his lessons, controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has apologised for not reporting corrupt approaches last year, which led to him being banned for 12 months. Umar, 30, was last year suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not reporting spot-fixing approaches made to him before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.

"Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake which caused damage to my cricket and career. I learnt a lot during this time and due to that mistake Pakistan cricket`s reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness from the PCB and from cricket fans around the world," said Akmal in a video released by the PCB on Wednesday. Akmal admitted that the period had been "very difficult for him". "Some people approached me but I was unable to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, due to which I had to face a 12-month ban. I couldn`t play cricket despite being a cricketer.