Ban on Bhajji: BCCI keeps all option open

BCCI has kept all options open, including pulling out of the Australia tour if the ban on Harbhajan Singh was not revoked.

Indian Cricket Board has kept all its options open, including pulling out of the tempestuous tour of Australia, if the ban on arbhajan Singh was not revoked and Steve Bucknor was not removed from umpiring duties.

The BCCI, which has called an emergency Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, said that its future course of action would mainly depend on what decision the International Cricket Council takes on its grievances.

A top BCCI source said it would not like to jeopardise the tour despite the “unfair and unacceptable” ruling on Harbbajan Singh but it could take the extreme step of abandoning the tour, if the ICC did not take corrective steps.

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“We have already made it clear that we will appeal against the ban on Harbhajan as we feel that the allegation of racism against him is unacceptable. We want the ICC to suspend the order till final disposal of the case,” the source said.

“Technically the tour is still on but we expect nothing less than a stay on the order,” the source said.

Indian could risk a hefty USD 2 million (approx Rs 7.85 crore) fine from the ICC if it refuses to continue with the tour.

The Indian team management has been asked to stay put in Sydney and not proceed to Canberra till the matter is resolved.

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The BCCI was also contemplating sending a lawyer to be with the team to assist them in legal matters that may arise after filing an appeal to ICC’s Commissioner of Appeals.