Sport - Cricket

Hair to be under the scanner: Bindra

Mohali: Darrell Hair may have been reinstated by the ICC but the controversial umpire’s man-management skills would be under the scanner for the next 12 months, said ICC Principal Adviser designate I.S. Bindra.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Bindra said Hair was rated highly for his decision making ability, the same could not be said about his man management skills.

“Reinstating of Hair was a unanimous decision.

“He has been a number one umpire in terms of assessment of various captains, though his man-management skills have been a problem,” said Bindra, whose initial term as the ICC Principal Adviser starts on July 1.

Consequentially, Hair will be reviewed by the ICC in another 12 months’ time, he said.

Hair’s reinstatement angered former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who led the walkout in the Oval Test fiasco involving the Australian umpire.

Inzamam had said Pakistan did not have a strong voice in the ICC, an allegation Bindra dismissed.

“I read statements made by the former Pakistan cricket captain that Pakistan has no voice in the ICC and that it was isolated.

:This is not correct. Pakistan has a very effective voice under the leadership of (Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman) Nasim Ashraf,” said Bindra, also the president of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).

He also revealed that Ashraf enjoyed the full support in his demand that Hair should not officiate in matches featuring Pakistan.

Commenting on bringing back the controversial umpire, Bindra said, “We were clear that we want to reform and rehabilitate Hair.”

Regarding his new job, Bindra ruled out the possibility of a conflict with the new ICC chief executive officer and said he had great respect for Imtiaz Patel, the CEO designate, and was looking forward to a cordial working relationship with him. — PTI

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