Cost Of Getting Hair Cut Pegged At $500,000

Australian umpire Darrell Hair has offered to quit in exchange for $500,000. The ICC received letters seeking the payment days after Hair accused the Pakistan team of ball tampering on the fourth day of a five-day Test match. It may be recalled that the match was later forfeited and awarded to England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had described the allegations of ball-tampering as a "slur" against the nation. It added that Hair had defamed the nation. Imran Kan, former Pakistan captain called Hair “Mini-Hitler”. Pakistan officials had threatened to quit the rest of the tour, scheduled to end Sept. 10, in protest. Meanwhile Pakistan fans burned effigies of the umpire.

Ever since, Hair has been in the centre of the controversy. No doubt that Hair has been in a difficult position since the hullabaloo erupted. However, by seeking compensation, he has made his position more difficult.

Expressing shock over Hair’s demand, Malcolm Speed, Chief Executive of International Cricket Committee said, ‘I was shocked. I thought it was a silly letter and I thought Darrell Hair must be under great stress…..He saw it as a probably misguided way in which to assist the ICC.'' Giving the benefit of the doubt to the umpire, Speed said that Hair was acting "to find a solution in the interests of the game".

He clarified that Hair remains under contract with the ICC and has not been charged with any offence. Under the terms of his accord, which expires March 31, 2008, Hair has no right to a payment if he resigns.

Although no action has been taken against Hair, the possibility of the same cannot be ruled out. The issue on hand is serious and pertains to Hair’s contract and the ICC Umpires Code of Conduct.

Regarding any action on Hair, Speed said, "I have said to him that he is not sacked, he is not suspended, and he has not been charged. I also said to him that I didn't guarantee that each of those three positions would be maintained indefinitely." Strong words indeed.