Inzi can be replaced

Pakistan have been given the smallest dose of good news ahead of the impending verdict from the disciplinary hearing, after being told by the ICC that they would be allowed to replace captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq should he be banned. Younis Khan has been advised to prepare himself to captain the side should such a situation arise.

Given that Inzi’s ban could range from anywhere between two to eight one-day internationals, it will be interesting to see whether Pakistan opt to call on a replacement should his ban be on the shorter side.

They will certainly not be hard pressed for time, given that any appeal will be approved or denied by October 7, 11 days before Pakistan’s first match. The appeal, however, will have to be made within 24 hours of the initial verdict.

Former captain Wasim Akram was under no illusions about the challenges Pakistan would face should Inzi be banned, but he refused to write off their chances in such an event, saying “I have no doubt that if Inzamam is banned Pakistan will face problems, although they have a very balanced side which is well versed in playing on Indian pitches.”