Mumbai: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Dr Nasim Ashraf, has expressed “surprise” at the speedy manner in which the International Cricket Council (ICC) sent Darrell Hair packing from its Elite Panel of umpires.

“I was pleasantly surprised when the Executive Board took a decision on the very first day (Friday) of its meeting here... I’d expected our call for a specific inquiry to take some time... I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Board, for their decision has vindicated the PCB’s stand,” Dr Ashraf, a federal minister, told The Telegraph.

However, speaking on Sunday, he accepted that the issue of the England & Wales Cricket Board seeking compensation for the premature (fourth-day) end to The Oval Test, was still to be resolved. The Test will be remembered for being the first to be forfeited.

Eventually, it may be settled at the ICC level.