Re: Ball Tempering Controversy-News and Articles
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s ban could lead to Asian breakaway from ICC
LONDON: The prestigious newspaper ‘The Times’ chief cricket correspondent, Christopher Martin Jenkins, says the Pakistan cricket team captain Inzamam-ul-Haq’s disciplinary hearing is going to be “somewhat unprecedented”.
Writing on latest developments in The Oval controversy with postponement of Inzamam’s disciplinary hearing, he says “In terms of rescheduling the hearing, it depends on when Ranjan Madugalle (ICC’s senior match referee) is available again after one of his relatives got ill”.
“The hearing is going to be somewhat unprecedented in which lawyers will be involved. Normally sides are represented by captains, coaches and players. Therefore, it is pure speculation as to say what will happen during proceedings,” he said.
“Lawyers were involved in the issue of Muttiah Muralitharan’s bowling action, but it was a different kind of case. It is not a bad thing if there is some distance to rescheduled date of hearing because remaining tour matches will be played and estimated loss of revenue to the ECB if Pakistan had withdrawn will now be averted,” he added.
“Inzamam-ul-Haq is likely to play. I think he received his punishment in fourth Test with forfeiture of the match. He may yet receive sanctions from the ICC if allegations of ball tampering are proven,” he told.
“The worst case scenario should Inzamam get a lengthy ban is a breakaway of the Asian block from the ICC. The Asian Cricket Council are a very powerful body mainly because of India’s dominance of global cricket market. They have a very strong influence on the sport and have threatened withdrawals in the past,” he revealed.
“If Inzamam is cleared of allegations of ball tampering, the ICC can absolve him with a clear conscience. There is not much doubt that he brought the game into disrepute by not returning with his team to the field. The most sensible action would be to warn him never to repeat those actions again, because he has already served his punishment with the loss of Test,” he explained.
“The ICC are likely to support Darrell Hair whatever the outcome is because he is one of their most experienced umpires. In terms of damage to his reputation, he is sure to umpire again, but ICC are likely to be careful where they place him,” he added.
Source: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=21047