ICC reverse decision of abandoned Oval match
The match at the Oval was the first to be abandoned in Test history
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Sunday, 01, Feb 2009 09:04
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reversed its decision to adjudge the abandoned Test match between England and Pakistan at the Oval in 2006 as a draw.
England were originally awarded the match by the umpires after Pakistan failed to take the field after tea on the fourth day.
They did so in protest against umpire Darrell Hair who had accused the Pakistan team of ball-tampering.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appealed against the decision and convinced the ICC to change the decision to a draw at a meeting in July.
However, after the latest meeting in Perth, Australia, yesterday the ICC has now decided the original decision to award the match to England should stand to protect the integrity of the game.
A statement from the ICC said: "After reconsideration of the matter, which included consideration of legal advice and input from the MCC, the custodians of the laws of cricket, the board decided that the original umpires' decision to award the match to England, should apply."
The decision means that England will now have a 3-0 series win in the record books.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat added: "I'm gratified the board reached the conclusion it did as this ensures the integrity of the game and the laws of cricket have been upheld. I am especially grateful to the PCB for its understanding in this matter."
The abandonment of the match at the Oval had huge ramifications for those involved. Hair was blamed by Pakistan for costing them the match and was eventually dropped from the ICC elite panel of umpires.
Since then the PCB have been trying to clear their team from blame in the abandonment, culminating in July's appeal, which has now been overturned by the ICC's latest decision.