November 05, 2006	Sunday	Shawwal 12, 1427

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KARACHI, Nov 4: Pakistan on Saturday hailed the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to remove Australian umpire Darrell Hair from the elite umpiring panel. Reacting to the ICC's decision, Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said he nurtured no grudge against Hair.

“I had already forgiven Hair. It is ICC's decision and I will not say much on it,” said Inzamam.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board director Abbas Zaidi said Hair's removal had vindicated Inzamam and the PCB.

“Since we were involved in the standoff it vindicates whatever we believed and advocated. We thank the British media and all the Asian cricket boards, especially India, for the support in the Hair issue,” Zaidi said.

Former captain Javed Miandad said the ICC had set an example for other umpires.

“By removing Hair from the elite panel, the ICC has set an example and in future all other umpires will be under pressure to take right decisions,” said Miandad, who had criticised Pakistan's protest in the Oval Test.

“ICC has upheld game's esteem and its own esteem,” remarked Miandad.

Another former captain, Rashid Latif, said Hair should have been forgiven.

“Hair has suffered enough so I thought he would be forgiven because Inzamam had forgiven him,” said Rashid.

“I think Hair had stigmatised his reputation by demanding compensation and it spoiled his case,” said Rashid, referring to Hair's leaked email to an ICC official demanding $500,000.

Former Pakistan umpire Mahboob Shah said Hair's sacking proved the ICC had a process of accountability.

“People criticised the ICC for not holding the umpires accountable but this has been proved wrong,” he said.

Meanwhile, Australian captain Ricky Ponting says Hair's removal from the ICC elite umpiring panel is surprising and disappointing.

Ponting defended the English-based Australian umpire saying he simply stood up for what he thought was right.

Speaking to Australian reporters in Mumbai ahead of Champions Trophy final, Ponting said: “I'd be disappointed for him if that's the case.

“He's obviously done lots of good things right over a long period of time. I'm sure he'd be disappointed.”

Ponting said he didn't feel Hair had been “trying to make a name for himself” by taking a firm stand against Pakistan.

“He's done what he believed was right at the time for the good of the game. Nothing to do with himself,” Ponting said.

“I'm surprised by it. I think that's been shown by being on the panel as long as he has (since 2003).

Hair also received support from cricket's leading umpire Simon Taufel.

Taufel said Hair not acted in isolation. “No, I haven't spoken to Darrell directly about (events) post The Oval.”

Taufel told a news conference, speaking before news of Hair's ban had broken. “Obviously, it's an issue that we are all aware of.

“I'll say to you what I said at the time. It was both umpires who made those decisions on the day to award the penalty runs and to also award the match.”—AFP