ICC cautioned against any hasty attempt to strip umpires of their powers following the ball-tampering row involving Pakistan.
NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) cautioned on Wednesday against any hasty attempt to strip umpires of their powers following the ball-tampering row involving Pakistan at the Oval Test last month.
"One thing we need to bear in mind is on-field decisions have been made by umpires for 300 years," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told a news conference.
"That is one of the features of the game which has well and truly stood the test of time. I think the ICC executive board would be very cautious in seeking to change the powers given to the umpires and vested with them for the last 300 years."
The Sri Lankan and Indian cricket boards have urged the ICC to transfer the power of umpires to rule on forfeiture to the match referee or ICC.
"There are processes in place," Speed said. "If the suggestions I've seen in the media are formalised by the Indian board, the ICC would look at that, go through the process."
Pakistan became the first team in test history to forfeit a match after the final Test against England ended in acrimony and confusion last month.
Umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove penalised Pakistan for ball-tampering, docking them five runs. Pakistan refused to carry on playing after tea and the umpires ruled the team had forfeited the game.
An incensed Pakistan blamed Australian Hair, urging the ICC not to appoint him for their future games.
Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq faces a disciplinary hearing later this month for alleged ball-tampering and for bringing the game into disrepute.
Speed said lawyers would finalise the hearing date within a day or two.
Asked whether a forensic test was being considered on the match ball, he said: "I heard a forensic test is being suggested as evidence."
Speed ruled out abolishing the ball-tampering law, which has been suggested by Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.
He said, "Over the last few years, chucking has been a very major topic for the cricket committee. Ball tampering hasn't been before the committee for some years, probably four or five. That is a sign our cricket experts, former Test players who are on the cricket committee, are very happy with the current laws in relation to ball tampering."
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