ICC set dates for Inzamam hearing

BALL TAMPERING: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq's disciplinary hearing over last month's ball tampering row at the Oval will be held in London on Sept. 27 and 28, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.

"The code of conduct hearing to be conducted by Ranjan Madugalle will be held in London on the 27th and 28th of this month," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told a news conference.

The ICC have charged Inzamam with ball tampering and bringing the game into disrepute after his team forfeited the final test against England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it would use the appeal process to allow Inzamam to play in next month's Champions Trophy if their captain was found guilty of ball-tampering charges.

Pakistan have selected Inzamam to lead the team at the Champions Trophy in India from Oct. 7 but face the prospect of losing him for a maximum of eight one-dayers or four tests if he is found guilty.

Speed said there was no video evidence of the Pakistan team changing the condition of the ball.

"There are other forms of evidence, other than the video evidence," Speed said. "This will all unfold at the hearing."

"Obviously there is the ball," he said. "There will be evidence from umpires, perhaps other people who saw the ball."

Inzamam has also been charged with bringing the game into disrepute after his team did not resume play after tea on the fourth day at the Oval following a decision by umpires to penalise Pakistan five runs for ball tampering.

"We are assuming Inzamam will be found not guilty," PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan told Reuters on Thursday in a telephone interview.

"(But) if Inzamam is suspended...then making an appeal is our first option because during the period of appeal any ban is suspended and he can play in the Champions Trophy.

"If we go to appeal his ban would be suspended until the appeal is heard." ICC regulations bar teams from replacing a disciplined player for the tournament.

Shaharyar said Pakistan could afford to lose Inzamam for a home series against West Indies after the Champions Trophy but not for next month's tournament.

Shaharyar also said Pakistan would be sending a response to Speed's statement warning Pakistan cricket to refrain from comments that could affect the hearing.

- KARACHI, Thursday, Reuters