ICC discards claim

The International Cricket Council has rejected Bangladesh's claim that it was deprived of five penalty runs in its two-run loss to Pakistan in the Asia Cup final last week. Bangladesh Cricket Board claims Pakistan bowler Aizaz Cheema deliberately blocked batsman Mahmudullah when he attempted a second run on the first ball of the 50th over.
Australian umpire Steve Davis failed to signal for any penalty runs and play resumed after he had talked with Cheema. An ICC spokesman says the "umpire's decision is final and it cannot be changed." Bangladesh says it will make a written complain to the Asian Cricket Council. With Bangladesh needing nine runs from the last over, Cheema conceded six to deny Bangladesh victory.