Sonn cancels executive board meeting

'We have processes in place to deal with Code of Conduct matters and we should not seek to interfere with it' © Getty Images

Percy Sonn, the ICC's president, has cancelled the executive board meeting to brief the directors about the events of the last week which was scheduled for next weekend. Sonn has spoken to the those concerned in the past few days and is satisfied that they understand the process sufficiently.

"The original intention was to seek legal advice concerning the executive board's powers but I do not believe it is necessary to obtain that advice," Sonn said in a statement on Sunday. "We have processes in place to deal with Code of Conduct matters and we should not seek to interfere with it.

"There has been much speculation over the past few days about whether the executive board has the power to overturn a properly laid charge by the umpires," he continued. "That speculation would only be bound to intensify ahead of the weekend and so by canceling the meeting it will allow everyone to get off that particular topic and focus on the cricket to be played this week instead."

Reacting to the news Shaharyar Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said: "We understand the need for the hearing to go ahead for the reasons explained by the ICC president Mr Sonn. In the meantime, we are delighted at the chance to get back to playing cricket, starting with this afternoon's Twenty20 against England and with five one-day internationals to follow."

The date for Inzamam-ul-Haq's hearing will be confirmed in due course but it is likely to be in the second half of September.