Racism Row: Harbhajan likely to escape ban

Embroiled in a race row with Australia's Andrew Symonds, Harbhajan Singh will appear before a disciplinary hearing amid indications that the controversial Indian off-spinner will escape a ban due to lack of evidence.

Embroiled in a race row with Australia’s Andrew Symonds, Harbhajan Singh will appear before a disciplinary hearing on Sunday amid indications that the controversial Indian off-spinner will escape a ban due to lack of evidence.

Both India and Australia are said to have listed five representatives who will attend the hearing for which the International Cricket Council (ICC) has roped in an eminent British lawyer Nigel Peters to advice Match Referee Mike Procter and the two teams on procedural matters.

The hearing was originally scheduled for Saturday but was postponed to Sunday on Indian team management’s request to allow the players top focus on the ongoing second cricket Test.

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If found guilty Harbhajan could be banned for two to four Tests and four to eight ODIs. But the off-spinner has vehemently denied saying anything racial during the altercation.

During the hearing, Sachin Tendulkar, who was in the middle when the alleged racial spat broke out, is likely to testify in favour of the 27-year-old bowler.

Indians are also likely to be represented by skipper Anil Kumble, manager Chetan Chauhan and media manager M V Sridhar.