Hair out of Champions Trophy

Darrell Hair: his security could not be guaranteed © Getty Images

After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Darrell Hair will not stand in the Champions Trophy in India next month.

"Darrell Hair will not umpire the ICC Champions Trophy on the basis of safety and security concerns," Brian Murgatroyd, the ICC's media manager, said. "An announcement on the appointment of officials for that tournament will be made in due course."

Asked if this was nothing more than a convenient get-out, Muragtroyd replied: "Not as far as I am aware".

Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive, issued a press statement in which he said: "A decision has been made in consultation with the ICC president Percy Sonn, the ICC general manager of cricket David Richardson and myself that he will not umpire at the Champions Trophy amid concerns over his safety and security and also the safety and security of those around him during the tournament."