NEW DELHI, April 26: India spinner Harbhajan Singh could face disciplinary action following reports of his slapping compa-

triot Shanthakumaran Sreesanth at an Indian Premier League (IPL) game.

Television pictures showed Sreesanth sobbing at the end of the game late on Friday after his Mohali team defeated Mumbai, which is captained by Harbhajan.

The Hindustan Times daily reported that Harbhajan had slapped the young fast bowler.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Niranjan Shah said the spinner had been asked to explain his actions.

“The BCCI condemns the behaviour of Harbhajan Singh as a contracted player of the board and he is called upon to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him and has been asked for clarification by Monday evening,” he said in a statement.

In a tour of Australia this year, the spinner was initially banned for three Tests after being found guilty of making racist remarks against all-rounder Andrew Symonds. He was subsequently let off with a fine on a lesser charge following an appeal.

“It was unacceptable what happened,” Mohali captain Yuvraj Singh told reporters after the match. “Harbhajan came back to the dressing room and apologised to Sreesanth.”

Harbhajan said the media were trying to sensationalise the issue.

“It is not such a big issue the way people are making it out to be,” he told television channels. “It is between me and Sree. What you’re showing on TV, it is between us.”—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....