Hair's appointment this year for the England home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan would have dismayed the respective teams.
Sri Lanka felt he denied them several clear-cut leg before wicket appeals when Muralitharan was bowling.
Pakistan were incensed when Kevin Pietersen was given not out after what appeared to be a big inside edge to wicketkeeper Kamal Akram in the third Test at Headingley. Pietersen went on to score 135, laying the basis for England's series-winning victory.
Sunday's furore, when Hair penalised Pakistan five runs and ordered a ball change, was the final straw for Pakistan who were adjudged to have forfeited the match when they failed to take the field in time after tea.
Hair, who has officiated in 76 Tests and 124 one-day internationals, is the fourth most experienced umpire ever behind Steve Bucknor (West Indies), David Shepherd (England) and Rudi Koertzen (South Africa). Whether he adds to those tallies may now be out his hands.
Left: Pakistan local cricket club members shout slogans as they carry a placard with a picture of umpire Hair in Islamabad.
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