Inzamam-ul-Haq hails Sonn for Oval row role by AFP

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Player:

Inzamam-ul-Haq

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DateLine: 28th May 2007

 

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq Monday praised late International Cricket Council president Percy Sonn for his handling of the Oval Test controversy last year.

 

Inzamam said Sonn, who died Sunday aged 57 in Cape Town, had ensured Pakistan were treated fairly after they forfeited the fourth Test against England in August.

 

"Mr Sonn ensured Pakistan got a fair trial in the Oval case and because of his efforts the truth prevailed," Inzamam said.

 

"Sonn backed Pakistan's legal stance and because of him, the investigations were impartial and ended in Pakistan's victory."

 

Pakistan refused to take to the field after tea on the fourth day of the Oval Test after umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove penalised Pakistan five runs and changed the ball over allegations of ball tampering.

 

It was the first forfeit in the 130-year history of Test cricket.

 

Inzamam was cleared of tampering but was banned for four one-day matches on charges of bringing the game into disrepute. Hair, meanwhile, was dropped from the ICC's elite panel of umpires.

 

"Personally I admired (Sonn's) love for cricket and under him international cricket prospered a great deal," said Inzamam, who quit as captain after the World Cup two months ago.

 

"His contribution for the game will be remembered for a long time."

 

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf on Sunday described Sonn's death as a "great loss."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)