We will fight the false slur: BCCI

The BCCI has made it clear that it will appeal against the Harbhajan's ban and fight the 'false slur' cast on him.

Stung by the three match ban slapped on spinner Harbhajan Singh, BCCI has decided to appeal against the match referee Mike Proctor’s order and asked the International Cricket Council to suspend the order till the final disposal of the appeal.

Describing the ban on Harbhajan as unfair and unacceptable, the BCCI made it clear that it will fight the “false slur” cast on its ace spinner.

After a meeting of its top office bearers to take stock of the situation, the BCCI said India’s national commitment is against racism and it was committed to protect the honour of the country.

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BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla told PTI that president Sharad Pawar had convened the meeting which discussed all the developments which led to India’s defeat in the second Test against Australia and also the issue of Harbhajan Singh.

The Cricket Board came out with a statement, saying that it was committed to protect the country’s fair name.

Following is the statement by BCCI president Sharad Pawar.

“BCCI is filing an appeal challenging match referee Mike Proctor’s order on spinner Harbhajan Singh.

“Unfair allegation of racism against our Indian player is wholly unacceptable. The game of cricket is paramount but so too is the honour of India’s cricket team and every Indian.

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“The BCCI is committed to protect the country’s fair name. India’s national commitment is against racism. Our national struggle is based on values which negate racism.”

“BCCI will fight this false and unfair slur cast on our player. BCCI will request the ICC and in its appeal to suspend the order against Harbhajan Singh till the disposal of the appeal,” Pawar said.

BCCI has also called an emergency working committee meeting in Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting has been called to discuss all the happenings in the Australian tour, CAO Ratnakar Shetty said.

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The off-spinner was banned yesterday for three Tests after the ICC Match Referee Mike Procter in a marathon six-and-a-half hour hearing upheld the Australian charge that he had racially abused all-rounder Andrew Symonds.

The appeal has to be lodged with the ICC’s legal counsel in writing within 24 hours and the team has delayed its departure from Sydney to do the paperwork.

The appeal will be made to the Commissioner of Appeals and pending the appeal, the off-spinner can continue to play.