MELBOURNE, Nov 20: Sacked controversial Australian umpire Darell Hair is considering legal action against International Cricket Council and has hired a leading lawyer from Marylebone Cricket Club to pursue his case.

“I am still trying to work a few things out. I can only say that I am extremely disappointed at the decision made by the ICC to remove me from elite panel of umpires,” Hair was quoted as saying in 'The Australian'.

“I am considering my position and you will therefore appreciate that at this stage it would not be appropriate for me to comment further except to express my gratitude to all those who continue to show support for me,” he said.

Hair was contracted until March 2008 and it would appear he has a clear case of breach of contract. His last assessment by ICC umpiring panel rated him as one of best and most accurate in the world, report said.

Hair's elder brother Denis, who lives in Queanbeyan, said Darrell is still capable of top-level umpiring for next few years. “He won't be satisfied unless he can gain reinstatement to the panel,” he was quoted as saying by newspaper.

Denis says Hair had received offers to continue umpiring at county level in England and state level in Australia.

ICC voted out Hair from elite panel after he charged Pakistan with ball tampering in Oval Test against England which resulted in Test cricket's first forfeiture. - Agencies