Zaheer Abbas not to appear in ICC hearing

Lahore, Sep 22 (UNI) Former captain and team manager during the eventful tour of England, Zaheer Abbas said he won't be appearing in the ICC hearing on ball tampering charges against Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq.

Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan had announced that apart from Inzamam, Zaheer Abbas and two current players -- Umer Gul and Danish Kaneria -- would attend the September 27-28 hearing along with PCB lawyers.

''I am not required to appear as witness in the ICC hearing,'' Zaheer Abbas was quoted as saying by an Associated Press of Pakistan report.

''According to my information Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria would also not be needed to appear in the hearing,'' he said.

Inzamam faces the twin charges of ball tampering and bringing the game into disrepute by forfeiting the Oval Test after umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove awarded five penalty runs to England.

''Now only Inzamam and PCB Chairman would be attending the hearing,'' Zaheer added.

ICC Match referee Ranjan Mudgalle of Sri Lanka will supervise the hearing in assistance with Mike Procter of South Africa.

Inzamam's Champions Trophy prospect looks bleak and the burly Multan player is likely to be slapped with a 4-8 ODI and 2-4 Test matches for the twin charges.

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