Some Pak support for Hair, at last

“The problem is that if one country attempts it, then others will follow and that cannot be good for the game in the long-run,” he was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

Dar said Hair alone cannot be blamed for the entire controversy. “It is not about one umpire. It can’t be about just one. Both umpires and even those off the field are involved. Those decisions on ball tampering and the forfeiture were not taken by Hair alone.” On Pakistan’s demand of evidence to the charge of ball tampering as video footage is not available, Dar tersely said the umpire did not need to give any evidence. “There doesn’t seem to be video evidence but we must remember that no evidence is required. It could be that Pakistan is right and they didn’t do anything but as an umpire that is your decision.”

Meanwhile, the ICC is likely to meet umpire Darrell Hair’s demand for the amount with the condition that he keep the payment a secret, London media reported today. However, the ICC might continue to employ Hair until his contract ends in March 2008, but not let him officiate in any matches, The Observer said. Sources told the newspaper that ICC is likely to honour the contract to stop him discussing the events of the past week until his contract expires.

With his annual retainer of 30,000-40,000 pounds and additional fees for standing in Test matches and ODIs, Hair earns 60,000 to 70,000 pounds a year and the ICC would have to pay him around 100,000 pounds to buy his silence, the report said.