ICC boss Speed wants a fair hearing for all parties

Pakistan were accused of ball-tampering on the fourth day of the Test and forfeited the match after refusing to come back on to the field after tea.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq now faces charges of ball-tampering and bringing the game into disrepute.

"A forensic test is being suggested," said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed.

Interview: ICC chief Malcolm Speed

"The laws of cricket are clear on what constitutes changing the condition of the ball.

We don't want to sit on the side of the umpires. We don't want to sit on the side of the team Malcolm Speed International Cricket Council

"Lawyers of Pakistan and the ICC are studying what evidence can be put forth."

Darrell Hair was at the centre of the row when, along with fellow umpire Billy Doctrove, he awarded England five penalty runs after deciding Pakistan had tampered with the ball.

The fall-out from the affair resulted in fears over Pakistan's participation in the one-day series as well as the ICC, world cricket's governing body, publicising an e-mail from Hair saying he would retire if given a substantial pay-off.

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The hearing was initially postponed after ICC chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle had personal problems.

Speed denied any ulterior motives were behind the cancellation and insisted forensic tests may be used to ensure a fair hearing for all parties.

"We want a fair hearing," he said. "No final date has been agreed upon, but it will be announced in a day or two.

"We don't want to sit on the side of the umpires. We don't want to sit on the side of the team.

"We want to sit in between them and accept whatever decision is made by the adjudicator."