ICC stands by John Reid in face of Pakistan protest

John Reid has been backed by cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council, and will retain match umpiring duties during the Asian Test championship.

Pakistan had protested Reid's appointment having been critical of Reid's judgment in fining and suspending Waqar Younis and Azhar Mahmood and also passing on umpiring concerns over the legality of Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action.

When Reid was appointed to the Pakistan-Bangladesh game in Multan, the Pakistan Cricket Board protested to the Asian Cricket Council, who in turn handed the protest to the ICC.

However, the ICC reinforced their own policies that do not allow any member country to veto the appointment of independent referees or umpires.

This policy was re-confirmed at the ICC Executive Board meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in October 2000.

ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed said: "I have spoken to the Pakistan Cricket Board and John Reid about this matter and explained the ICC's position.

"The PCB has assured me that John Reid will receive the same courtesies that are extended to all ICC officials visiting the country, and for his part Mr Reid remains keen to fulfil his appointment covering the four Test matches."

The first match in the Asian Test Championship (ATC) will be Pakistan v Bangladesh in Multan from the 29th August. ICC umpire Darrell Hair will stand in that match and the Pakistan v India Test in Lahore. Rudi Koertzen will umpire the ATC fixtures between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Colombo and India v Bangladesh in Bangalore.