Although the ICC Code of Conduct hearing was conducted behind locked doors at The Oval, that has not stopped a couple of reports appearing offering insights into what happened.
In The Daily Telegraph, Simon Briggs claims that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s legal team are ahead on points:
In the course of the hearing, it became clear that Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove — the umpires at the centre of last month's ball-tampering storm — had not fully followed protocol during the emotional and chaotic afternoon of Aug 20. Insiders say this has weakened their case substantially.
The mood of the meeting is reported to have been largely sympathetic towards Pakistan. While it has been acknowledged that Inzamam's sit-in protest was inappropriate, the umpires' conduct has provided Pakistan's lawyers with an opportunity to argue extenuating circumstances.
He adds that the PCB will argue that the disrepute charges should be kicked out as a result, and furthermore:
Extended to its logical limits, this argument could be used to support a change in the result of the game, which would then become a draw or no-result rather than an England win. But this will not happen, if only because of the upheaval it would cause within the betting industry.
InThe Times, Matthew Pryor also suggests that things are going Pakistan’s way:
With so many lawyers in the room, the ball-tampering allegations that, if proved, would lead to only a fine or a ban of one Test match or two one-day internationals, are likely to be thrown out.
There would seem to be a lack of the evidence required in a court, if not by ICC rules. If the verdict goes against them, Pakistan are likely to appeal or take Darrell Hair, the umpire, or the ICC to court. But they may yet be celebrating with President Musharraf, of Pakistan, who arrives in London tomorrow to meet Tony Blair, at a function in Park Lane.
