BCCI seeks repeal of ban on Harbhajan

Stung by the three match ban slapped on spinner Harbhajan Singh, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today decided to appeal against the match referee Mike Proctor's order,  and asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend the order till the final disposal of the appeal.

Describing the ban on Harbhajan as unfair and unacceptable, 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, BCCI said India's national commitment is against racism and it was committed to protect the honour of the country.

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

The board also 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 player is wholly unacceptable. The game of cricket is paramount but so too is the honour of India's cricket team and every Indian.

"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."