Cricket: Inzamam keen to put crisis behind him

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq says his team have been vindicated for their stance on the ball-tampering row but now wants to put the whole episode behind him.

Inzamam was cleared of ball-tampering charges but banned for four one-dayers for bringing the game into disrepute at a two-day ICC hearing in London.

"It is not easy for me because the last few weeks have been a big burden. I have felt the pressure more than anytime on the field. I am trying to forget everything and look ahead," he told Reuters on Saturday.

Inzamam was charged on two counts of violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth test against England at The Oval last month.

His team refused to take the field following the tea interval after umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove changed the ball and penalised them five runs.

"I am normally a very calm person but when the umpires basically said we were tampering with the ball we were all very upset ... because we had done nothing wrong," said Inzamam.

"I am satisfied now and I have nothing in my heart. But I knew a ban was on once we didn't go on the field."

He said his relationship with Australian umpire Hair was tense during the entire episode but he held no grudge against him.

"We have been vindicated in our stand on ball-tampering. I have no intentions now of taking any legal action against Hair or anyone else," he said.

"Although obviously I am disappointed at having to miss a major tournament like the Champions Trophy."

Younis Khan will lead Pakistan in next month's tournament and Inzamam said he was confident he would do a good job of leading the team.

"I am sure after being cleared of ball-tampering charges the team would be raring to do well in the Champions Trophy and make amends for the disappointments in England," Inzamam said.

Inzamam, 36, said he felt sorry for the fans who had come to The Oval on the fourth day.

"But at that time we felt we had to take a stand because our prestige and the country's respect appeared bigger than the game or result itself."

The Pakistan captain also said he accepted the ICC decision and knew they could not allow the forfeited result to go unpunished.

"The ICC has done what is necessary for the game. I would advise everyone to let this matter rest and move on."

- REUTERS