Inzamam cleared of ball-tempering allegations
29 September, 2006
LONDON: Pakistan cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has been found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute but cleared of ball-tampering at a hearing.
He has been banned for four one-day internationals by International Cricket Council head referee Ranjan Madugalle.
Inzamam faced ball-tampering and disrepute charges after last month?s forfeited Test against England at The Oval in south London.
He had refused to resume play in protest at being accused of cheating.
Umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove had started the row when they penalised Pakistan five runs for tampering with the ball.
Inzamam and the umpires were were among 11 witnesses who gave evidence in the closed hearing chaired by Madugalle.
The others were fourth umpire Trevor Jesty, match referee Mike Procter, ICC referees and umpires? manager Doug Cowie.
And for the defence Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan, Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer as well as three expert witnesses - Geoffrey Boycott, Simon Hughes and John Hampshire.
Inzamam has the right to appeal within 24 hours but his punishment is the least he could be given for being found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute.
If he accepts the ban he will be ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy, starting in India next month.
End.
|
