THE INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council has banned Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq for four one-day matches for bringing the game into disrepute. The punishment means he will miss the first four of Pakistan's matches in the October 7-November 5 Champions Trophy in India.
At a disciplinary hearing at The Oval on Thursday, Inzamam was, however, cleared of the more serious ball-tampering charge.
During the fourth Test against England at The Oval last month, umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove had accused Pakistan of changing the condition of the ball and had penalised the team five runs. This had led to Inzamam preventing his players from returning to the field after tea on the fourth day. England were awarded the match on a forfeit.
Inzamam and both umpires were among 11 witnesses who gave evidence in the closed hearing chaired by ICC senior match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
In a statement at the conclusion of the two-day hearing, Madugalle said Inzamam had been found not guilty of ball tampering. But he said the Pakistan skipper had been found guilty of a level three ICC rule and would be banned for four one-day internationals. "Mr ul-Haq has been found guilty of deliberately refusing to come on to the field on two occasions as a protest against the umpires, so interrupting play," the statement said.
Inzamam said he would not appeal against the ban.
{{/usCountry}}Inzamam said he would not appeal against the ban.
{{/usCountry}}Later in the day, the ICC said Hair would not officiate at the Champions Trophy. "Hair will not umpire the ICC Champions Trophy on the basis of safety and security concerns," said Brian Murgatroyd, the ICC's media manager.