‘ODI series could fall through’

On Tuesday, the ECB confirmed that Fletcher talked to Procter before play began but said that no complaints at all were lodged and that an ICC investigation precludes it from elaborating. Both Inzamam and coach Bob Woolmer were reported Tuesday as saying that the one-day series, which starts next week, would be called off if the Pakistan captain was suspended by the ICC. “My actions have landed me with a disciplinary hearing on Friday — but I have no regrets,” Inzamam told the Daily Express. “I have had a lot of support from back home and from England as well because, I think, people realized we were right to make a stand.

“There is the possibility of a suspension at the hearing which may effect my involvement in the one-day series, but it doesn’t matter whether I am playing or not.”

“What matters is whether we are cheating or not,” Inzamam was quoted as saying. “We will wait for the decision and then make up our minds but it would be difficult for the players to play on if we are labelled cheats.

Inzamam could be banned for up to eight games and Woolmer says that would jeopardize the one-day series. “I would think that the one-day tournament may be in jeopardy if he is found guilty and suspended for eight games,” Woolmer said. “If the punishment was suspended then it might go ahead. After what has happened the players are right behind their captain.”

Woolmer, however, said he “does not really want to be critical of the umpiring” as it would be against the spirit of the game. “If Inzamam is penalised, and penalised heavily, which he could well be, then I cannot guarantee that my side will play,” he said.