Pakistan to face ICC investigation: Speed

London, Aug 21 (UNI) The Pakistan team will face an ICC inquiry for allegedly tampering with the ball during the fourth Test against England at the Oval.

''The umpires are meeting this morning to consider whether there should be any further charges. It may be that there is more than one charge,'' ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told the BBC here.

''The next step that will be taken will be that there will be a (ICC) disciplinary hearing to deal with the ball handling issues,'' he added.

The first Test to be forfeited in the history of cricket saw a, agitated Pakistani walk out off the ground after being penalised five runs for tampering with the ball.

Mr Speed said the matter would be looked into by the ICC in a meeting to be held today.

''There are other provisions under the code of conduct that would enable a charge to be laid for bringing the game into disrepute and that is being considered,'' he said.

Team's skipper Inzamam-ul Haq's behaviour would be investigated for bringing the game into disrepute after marching off with his team during the match, which the vistors forfeited to give a 3-0 lead to England.

''It would be directed at the captain. The captain is responsible for the actions of the team, that's very clearly laid out in the laws of the game and it's one of the things that we try very hard to uphold,'' Mr Speed added.

The Chief Executive said the players could face fines and bans if found guilty in the inquiry.

''The ball tampering charge, that will be dealt with, and there is power there for the match referee to fine or ban the player there,'' he said.

''Similarly, if other charges are laid, the player could face fines or if he is found guilty, he could face a fine or a ban,'' the ICC Chief Executive added.

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