Koertzen 'cheat' comments to be investigated

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the ICC to look into derogatory comments allegedly made by Rudi Koertzen about the Pakistan team.

During the Central Employment Tribunal's hearing into Darrell Hair's case against the ICC last week, Hair had described a phone call in which Koertzen, the South African umpire, had referred to the Pakistan team as cheats.

Nasim Ashraf, chairman PCB, said, "We have written to the ICC to look into this matter and verify the authenticity of the remarks Koertzen is alleged to have made."

Ashraf, who appeared at the tribunal half-an-hour before Hair withdrew the case, also reiterated Pakistan's stance that they felt Hair was unfit to officiate at the elite level. "We have no personal issue against Hair," he said. "Our complaint was on the basis that Hair as an umpire failed. His judgement was wrong that day and his behaviour has to be rectified. For that he is undergoing rehabilitation and that is a positive step."

When asked what Pakistan's stance would be were Hair to return, Ashraf said, "To say that he is coming back on the panel is putting an optimistic face on it. After rehabilitation, the ICC may consider if Hair is fit for umpiring. Our position remains the same, but after rehab the ICC board will revisit the issue."