Legendary Wasim Akram believes Pakistan is facing a difficult situation in the International Cricket Council's disciplinary hearing underway in London and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq will be lucky if he gets off with just a one or two-match ban.
"The situation is a difficult one for Pakistan. No doubt about that. The ICC will obviously support its umpires. Their (Pakistan team's) failure to complete the Test match against England at the Oval has gone against them.
"I think if Inzamam is banned for just one or two matches he would be lucky as this is a normal punishment handed out to players for violating the Code of Conduct," Wasim said at a function.
He said the ICC should make it binding on the umpires to warn the captain atleast once if they suspect the ball is being tampered with.
"The problem at the Oval arose because Hair didn't bother to deem it fit to atleast once warn Inzamam what his suspicions were. All good umpires could do this atleast once to avoid any unpleasant situation."
Celebrated for his left-arm pace bowling, Wasim, however, said whatever happens at the hearing Pakistan needed to appoint Inzamam as captain until next year's World Cup.
{{/usCountry}}Celebrated for his left-arm pace bowling, Wasim, however, said whatever happens at the hearing Pakistan needed to appoint Inzamam as captain until next year's World Cup.
{{/usCountry}}"They should make the announcement now so that the rest of the players know who is in charge and the team can settle down and concentrate on preparing for the tournament."
"Inzamam is the best man to lead them and if he is missing from a few games in the Champions Trophy in India it will make a difference to the team," Akram said.