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The text of the statement read out by Brian Murgatroyd at The Oval ahead of the full media conference which details the findings of Ranjan Mudagalle, the ICC’s senior match referee:

Ball-tampering

On the first charge of ball-tampering under paragraph 2.9 of the Code, I find Mr ul-Haq not guilty. Having regard to the seriousness of the allegation of ball-tampering (it is an allegation of cheating), I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that there is sufficiently cogent evidence that the fielding team had taken action likely to interfere with the condition of the ball. In my judgment, the marks are as consistent with normal wear and tear of a match ball after 56 overs as they are with deliberate human intervention. Mr Saini (acting on behalf of the ICC) submitted that I should not reject the consistent views of the experienced ICC witnesses. I have considered their evidence, honestly and fairly given, very carefully. But my duty is to form and give my own judgment.

Bringing the game into disrepute

On the second charge of bringing the game into disrepute by refusing to play, I find Mr ul-Haq guilty in that on two occasions he led a protest against the Umpires by failing to come onto the field of play at the relevant time.

I take the view, subject of course to any further submissions Mr Gay may wish to make, that this is a Level 3 charge, leading to a penalty of a ban of between 2 and 4 Test Matches or between 4 and 8 ODI Matches.

I will now hear Mr Gay (acting on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board) on any submissions you wish to make on the appropriate penalty.

Source:The News