Umpire drops racism claim

Darrell Hair has dropped his claim for racial discrimination against the ICC.

Hair's position now set to be reassessed by the ICC in March

Darrell Hair has dropped his claim for racial discrimination against the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Australian had taken cricket's world governing body to an employment tribunal following the controversy around the last Test match he officiated in - between England and Pakistan at the Oval in August 2006. Hair accused Pakistan of tampering with the ball in that match, which went on to become the first in history to be won by forfeit after Inzamam-ul-Haq's side refused to resume. The offical has been banned since November as a result, while fellow umpire Billy Doctrove has been able to continue his top-level career.

Agreement

But Hair's lawyer has now confirmed the umpire has unconditionally withdrawn the race allegations. Robert Griffiths QC said: "Darrell Hair withdraws unconditionally his allegation of racial discrimination against the ICC Board, members and staff. "Mr Hair has undertaken to work with ICC management in accordance with the rehabilitation programme over the next six months." Hair will then be reassessed by the ICC and could return to the umpiring elite from March. He will continue to umpire international matches for now, but not those involving Test-playing nations. ICC president Ray Mali said: "We are pleased the issue has been resolved. "We had no option but to defend these serious allegations."