Hair ends ICC discrimination case

Darrell Hair has dropped his claim of racial discrimination against the International Cricket Council over his suspension from the elite umpires list.

The Australian was dropped by the ICC after the 2006 Oval Test between England and Pakistan was abandoned over ball-tampering allegations.

He took the ICC to an employment tribunal as no action was taken against West Indian co-umpire Billy Doctrove.

Hair could now return to umpiring non-Test playing nations next March.

Then, the ICC board will meet to discuss the results of his rehabilitation and decide whether he can return to elite umpiring, and if so, on what terms.

It is understood that no financial pay-off was made to Hair.

"Darrell Hair withdraws unconditionally his allegation of racial discrimination against the ICC Board, members and staff," said his lawyer Robert Griffiths QC.

"Mr Hair has undertaken to work with ICC management in accordance with the rehabilitation programme over the next six months."

ICC president Ray Mali said he welcomed the move.

"We are pleased the issue has been resolved," he said.

"We had no option but to defend these serious allegations."

Source: BBC Sport