Cricket News Headlines

India undecided on tour future despite ICC action



MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India's cricket board (BCCI)
expressed satisfaction at the International Cricket Council's
decision to drop umpire Steve Bucknor from the third test but
has yet to reach a decision on the future of the Australia tour.
"We are happy that this issue (umpiring) has been resolved,
but the working committee will meet tonight (Tuesday) and
decide on the future course," board secretary Niranjan Shah
told Reuters on Tuesday.
On Monday, the BCCI suspended the tour pending the outco
me of an appeal for banned spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was
handed a three-test suspension by match referee Mike Procter
for racially abusing Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds during
the second test in Sydney.
India reacted with anger and disappointment at the series of
umpiring blunders that led to their second test defeat as well as
the controversial ban on Harbhajan.
The hosts won by 122 runs to equal their own record of 16 consecutive
test victories and lead the four-test series 2-0. The third test is
scheduled to be played in Perth from Jan. 16.
On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council replaced West Indian
Bucknor with Billy Bowden of New Zealand and appointed match
referee Ranjan Madugalle to act as mediator in the row between rival
captains, Anil Kumble and Ricky Ponting.
The ICC also said Harbhajan may continue to play pending the verdict
of his appeal, although a date has yet to be set for the spinner's hearing.
However, the Indian board has categorically stated that Harbhajan
had to be absolved of the racist charge and "will fight the blatantly false
and unfair slur on an Indian player".
The team had been asked to remain in Sydney until further instructions,
vice-president Rajiv Shukla told Indian media.
They were due to travel to Canberra on Monday for a tour match.
"I don't want to comment (on the future of the tour) as of now.
If everything turns out fine (committee's decision) the team can still
reach (Canberra) in time," Shah said.