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Inzamam suspended for two matches

As India went about its task of overhauling Pakistan's total of 116 on Sunday evening, the game halted for half an hour after the first drinks break.

At the heart of an unholy row was the most unlikely persona of Inzamam-ul Haq.

Apparently heckled by a spectator, Inzamam -- whose laidback style has often enough been commented upon by cricket writers -- entered the stands to silence the heckler physically. The Pakistani batsman is alleged to have used a bat to do the needful.

At a brief hearing after the match, International Cricket Council match referee Jackie Hendricks suspended Inzamam for the next two Sahara Cup matches. His offence: violating item 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct -- 'conduct unbecoming of an international cricket player and for bringing the game into disrepute.'

Inzamam was also suspended for a third match -- however, this penalty was kept in abeyance until December 31, 1997.

Defending his compatriot, Pakistan skipper Rameez Raja revealed that the heckling from the spectator in the Inzamam incident had gone on for two days. The language used, Pakistani coach Haroon Rashid said, "was filthy and 'not worthy of repetition."

When one reporter asked why Inzamam had taken matters into his hands when ICC rules clearly banned physical intimidation or the use of force against a player, umpire or spectator, Rameez said, "while I do not condone Inzamam's action, human feelings predominate reason on occasions, as in this case.''

Pakistan has asked the International Management Group -- organisers of the event -- to ban megaphones from the Sahara Cup venue. IMG vice-president, international, Andrew Wildblood confirmed later that megaphones, in fact, will be banned at the Canada Cricket, Skating and Curling ground from Wednesday's match onwards.

Hasan Raza will take Inzamam's place for the next two Sahara Cup matches.