Woolmer cleared by PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board has exonerated Bob Woolmer for criticising the umpiring in Australia during Pakistan's recent tour. Woolmer, who had said that "umpiring decisions went 29-5 against us", was spared a potential ban or fine after the ICC handed over the matter to the PCB.

"Woolmer was asked to give his comments and he told the PCB he was quoted out of context," said Abbas Zaidi, the PCB spokesman, quoted by AFP. "So the matter looks to be over."

Woolmer was reported by the ICC earlier this month for violating the code of conduct. He was charged under Level 2.4 of the ICC Code, which deals with "public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on a match-related incident or match officials".

Pakistan lost both the VB Series finals to Australia, and Woolmer had also said that Australian players intimidated the umpires, thereby influencing their decisions. "I have great respect for the umpires," Woolmer told AFP. "It's a difficult job they do and at no stage have I criticised the umpires."

Woolmer, who played 19 Tests for England and also coached South Africa, took over as Pakistan coach in June last year.