Racism charge against Harbhajan dropped
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was let off lightly when racism charges against him were dropped and ICC-appointed Justice John Hansen of New Zealand fined him 50% of his match fee for using abusive language. Earlier, both the Indian and Australian teams agreed in principle to have the charges against the bowler brought down to level 2.8, which carried a minimum punishment of a 50% match fee fine. Hansen, however, said later that the punishment could have been harsher had he been made aware by the ICC of Harbhajan’s previous offences. The maximum sentence under the offence is a one Test and two ODI ban. The verdict ensured that Harbhajan could now play in the Perth and Adelaide Tests if selected. Harbhajan’s counsel, V R Manohar said the bowler admitted of using abusive language and was punished for that. The Indians being represented in the hearing by Harbhajan, Sachin Tendulkar and manager M V Sridhar while the Australians had Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist.
In a clear attempt to reach an amicable solution and save the tour, Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar wrote a joint letter to ICC panel asking to reduce charges against Harbhajan. The Indian team had decided to stay put in Adelaide till a favorable settlement was reached.
Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia expressed happiness over the verdict and said it was time to move on with the game. India and Sri Lanka join hosts Australia in a triangular one-day series beginning February 3. Earlier, India and Australia meet in a 20/20 match on February 1.
