Dubai: In a major victory for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC) Thursday changed the result of the controversial Oval Test in 2006 from an England win to a draw.

"The board has decided that the result of the Oval Test should be altered because of the unique circumstances," ICC acting chief executive Dave Richardson said at a press conference here Thursday, on the second day of the board meeting.

"The change has been made from 'an England win as a result of Pakistan's refusal to play' to the match being termed 'abandoned as a draw'," he added.

Umpire Darrell Hair had awarded the match to England saying that it was forfeited after the Pakistani players refused to take to the field on the fourth day of the Test following accusations of ball-tampering.

Pakistan were at a strong position at that time, having taken a lead of 331 runs in the first innings and removing four top England batsmen in the second innings.

Hair was later suspended from the ICC Elite Panel, a decision, which was only reversed last year.

Now, with the change in the Test's result being affected, the series result has also been altered from 3-0 to 2-0.

"All players' performances in the match are unaffected," an ICC statement said.

"The board's decision was based on the view that in light of the unique set of circumstances, the original result of the match was felt to be inappropriate," it added.

 

Source : IANS