Pakistan's Umar Akmal to see neurologist

Pakistan's talented young batsman Umar Akmal will see a neurologist for further tests after suffering a suspected seizure that forced his withdrawal from the Zimbabwe tour, an official said Wednesday.

The 23-year-old reportedly suffered a seizure during a flight to Jamaica last week and was flown home for medical treatment.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said further professional advice will be taken on Umar, who on his return Tuesday insisted he was fit to play despite the scare.

"The PCB is arranging an appointment for Umar with a neurologist to seek professional advice on his medical condition," a PCB spokesman said.

Medical reports from the West Indies suggested a seizure but the PCB wants to re-assess Umar's condition.

"It (the appointment) is one of the steps that the PCB will be undertaking in assessing the medical problem that occurred to Umar while he was in the West Indies," the official added.

Umar was dropped for Pakistan's failed campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales in June but made a successful return in the series against the West Indies last month.

He stayed in the Caribbean and played in the Twenty20 Caribbean Premier League for Barbados Tridents.

Neurologist Dr Saad Shafqat, who is also a well-known cricket writer, said Umar would not have to worry as long as the MRI is clear.

"If the MRI is clear then there will be no problems, it will be controlled," Shafqat told AFP. "At Umar's age epilepsy is light and we don't take it as a serious disease."

Umar made his mark in international cricket with a debut Test hundred in New Zealand in 2009.

He has played 16 Tests, 76 one-day internationals and 45 Twenty20 internationals.