Ponting disappointed

SYDNEY, Nov 4, 2006 (AFP) -Australian captain Ricky Ponting says Darrell Hair's reported removal from the ICC elite umpiring panel is surprising and disappointing. Ponting, announced Friday as the ICC's Player of the Year, defended the English-based Australian umpire saying he simply stood up for what he thought was right.

Speaking to Australian reporters in Mumbai ahead of Sunday's Champions Trophy final against defending champion West Indies, Ponting said: “I'd be disappointed for him if that's the case. “He's obviously done lots of good things right over a long period of time.