PCB to soon bring umpires 'under domain'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it would soon introduce new rules to bring Pakistan umpires under its 'domain' so that they can keep a check on their behaviour.

The PCB made this statement in the wake of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to withdraw Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf from the ICC Champions Trophy following his questioning in connection with the spot-fixing scandal in Indian Premier League (IPL), the Daily Times reports.

However, PCB chairman Mohammad Zaka Ashraf said that he is not aware of Rauf's removal from the elite panel of umpires from the last edition of the eight-nation tournament to be held in England, adding that Rauf did not go to India to officiate in the IPL with their permission.

But, Ashraf added that although till now Pakistan umpires and match referees have not come under PCB's domain, the PCB will soon bring in new rules to bring umpires from their country in their domain.

Ashraf further said that as per the rules, the Pakistani umpires would have to sign a contract with the board.

Rauf was also embroiled in a controversy last year when a small-time model named Leena Kapoor accused the Pakistan umpire of sexually exploiting her for months before refusing to marry her, the report added.