KARACHI: Big Bash League side Sydney Sixers have terminated Umar Akmal’s contract after the batsman was given permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play in only one match, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.

The PCB had earlier refused Akmal, all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal permission to play in Australia’s Twenty20 league due to the dates of Pakistan’s domestic T20 competition clashing with the Big Bash League.

PCB revised its decision on Monday following a request from Australian cricket authorities and allowed the three players short stints in the T20 league.

However, Afridi ended his contract with Sydney Thunder, saying he wanted to play in the domestic competition to prove his form to the selectors.

"I have ended my contract in the Big Bash League, because I want to play in the national event to improve my form and justify my selection in the team," Afridi told AFP.

Akmal was just given permission to play in the opening match for the Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder after which he was to return to the national team to prepare for Pakistan’s tour to India which is scheduled to take place from December 25-January 6.

General manager of the Sydney Sixers, Stuart Clark, said that having Akmal for just one match was not in the interest of the club and therefore the agreement had been called off.

"While it would have been great to have Umar here for the start of the BBL season, the short time frame offered is not in the club's best interest and we have decided to see if a suitable replacement is available rather than continue down this path," Clark was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun.