The International Cricket Council [ Images ] dismissed reports of controversial umpire Darrell Hair officiating in the Champions Trophy [ Images ] in India [ Images ] as "pure speculation".

"This is pure speculation. We aim to confirm the umpire in the next day or so," ICC [ Images ] was quoted as saying in BBC Sport.

Hair told an Australian newspaper that he is ready to officiate in the Champions Trophy.

"Yes I am down to umpire in the Champions Trophy and I expect to fulfill that appointment," Hair said.

The Australian umpire has not officiated in any match since his controversial decision to penalize the Pakistan team for ball-tampering, which led to the first forfeiture of a match in the 129-year history of Test cricket.

Hair's international career came under cloud after that decision and Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq was subsequently charged for ball tampering and bringing the game into disrepute. He will appear for a disciplinary hearing in London [ Images ] on September 27 and 28.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has already written to the ICC stating that it does not want Hair standing in any games involving their team.