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Umpire Darrell Hair will give evidence when Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq faces ball-tampering and disrepute charges in an ICC disciplinary hearing starting on Wednesday (today).

The two-day hearing, chaired by the ICC chief referee Ranjan Madugalle, will be held in private at The Oval cricket ground in south London.

The charges stem from the forfeited final test between Pakistan and England, which was abandoned on August 20 when Hair claimed Pakistan had tampered with the ball and penalised it five runs.

Inzamam led his team in protest by not returning to the field and the match was awarded to England by forfeit — the first in 129 years of Test cricket. England won the four-Test series 3-0.

Inzamam was charged with ball-tampering and for bringing the sport into disrepute. Five days later, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed revealed that Hair had offered to resign from the ICC referee’s panel if paid US$500,000.

Madugalle will consider testimony and written statements from Hair, third umpire Peter Hartley, fourth umpire Trevor Jesty, match referee Mike Proctor and ICC umpires and referees manager Doug Cowie.

As well as Inzamam, Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan will attend. The ICC said Madugalle would have a maximum of 24 hours in which to reach a decision.

Ball-tampering is penalised by a fine of between 50 and 100 percent of a player’s match fee and/or a ban of one test or two One-day Internationals. Bringing the sport into disrepute is punished by a ban of between two and four Tests or four to eight One-day Internationals.

Source:The News