'None can raise a finger against Hair'

Chetan Chauhan says appointing umpires is ICC's prerogative and no nation should interfere.

Former Test cricketer Chetan Chauhan said appointing umpires is the prerogative of the ICC and no country should interfere with the process.

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"The ICC should be given a free hand in selection of umpires and no country should interfere in selection of umpires," said Sharma, who is here to commentate on the Mohm Nissar Trophy match between Uttar Pradesh and Sialkot of Pakistan.

BCCI has conveyed its reservation to the ICC on appointing Australian umpire Darrell Hair for the next month's Champions Trophy in India following the Oval Test controversy.

Pakistan Cricket Board has also said earlier that they would not like to have the Australian officiating any of their matches.

"Darrell Hair is an ace umpire and no one should raise a finger against him," Sharma told PTI.

Sharma, commenting on the present Indian bowling lineup, singled out R P Singh for praise and said there was a wide choice for selection of pace bowlers.

"At present, R P Singh is bowling good. But if a bowler is weak in one tournament, his place could be captured by next one in the line.

"India has a wide choice for pacers as Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and L Balaji were also fit and aspiring to be in," he said.