ICC verdict a victory for Pakistan: Inzamam

LAHORE: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq on Saturday said his clearance from ball tempering charges by the International Cricket Committee (ICC) was a victory for the entire nation and said he won't recommend action against umpire Darrell Hair.

Talking to reporters here after his arrival from London, Inzamam said he was awarded minimum penalty and an appeal against the decision could not have minimised or erased the punishment.

He said he would not pursue any legal action against Hair although some people have advised him to do so.

"I want to end this matter and move on," GEO TV quoted him as saying.

The charges were brought against the Pakistan skipper after last month's forfeited Test against England at The Oval. He had refused to lead his side out on to the field after being penalised for ball tampering by umpire Darrell Hair on day four of the fourth Test.

The ICC Thursday cleared him of the ball-tampering charges but banned him for four one-day internationals for bringing the game into disrepute.

Inzamam said he was mentally prepared for the reprimand for any one of the two charges.

"The decision to launch the protest at Oval was a combined one of the team and the management," he said.

Inzamam thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for its "support during the case".

Saying that Pakistan will have a strong side for the Champions' Trophy, he hoped his team would perform well in the tournament and win the title.