| Font Size - |
The committee will deliberate at length the ban imposed on Harbhajan for allegedly racially abusing Australian all rounder Andrew Symonds and the umpiring blunders, which cost India the second Test in Sydney.
"It all depends on what response we get from the ICC. We will discuss all the matters before finalising our response," said a top BCCI official on condition on anonymity.
The BCCI will also discuss the fallout, if indeed, they take the extreme step of abandoning the tour.
India could risk a hefty USD 2 million (approx Rs 7.85 crore) fine from the ICC if it refuses to continue with the tour.
The BCCI, however, may not be too concerned about the financial implications of pulling out of the tour but it would take into account the bigger ramifications of such a step.
The official said the BCCI and Cricket Australia have enjoyed a good relationship and it would only exercise the option of a pullout only if it finds that there is no other choice at its disposal.
The official said the sentiments of the Indian team, which has been asked to stay put in Sydney, will also be taken note of because "we are fully backing our player in this difficult time."
The BCCI has already filed an appeal against the ban on Harbhajan and also complained against umpire Steve Bucknor who has been India's bugbear in recent years.
"The ball is now in ICC's court. We expect to hear from them by today (Tuesday) and our decisions would largely depend on what kind of response we get from the game's governing body," the official said.
The meeting has been deliberately kept for the evening to give the ICC enough time to respond to the complaints on the recent unsavoury developments, which are threatening to jeopardise the tour of Australia.
The BCCI is also contemplating sending a lawyer to be with the team to assist them in legal matters that may arise after filing an appeal to ICC's Commissioner of Appeals.
The ICC, meanwhile, has confirmed having received the appeal on Harbhajan and the complaint on Bucknor. However, an ICC spokesman said as of now no changes have been made in the panel of umpires for the third Test in Perth starting January 16.
Bucknor and Pakistan's Asad Rauf are the two on field umpires for the match.
| Bookmark this Page |
|
RatingThe Aussie cricket team has shown the worls that cricket is no longer a gentleman's game. They seem to be blissfully ignorant of what racism entails, given the years of racist abuse of Aborigines.
BCCI should understand that national pride is at stake. They should not compromise on any issues. If they are worried about monetary fines, the Indians will contribute. Accusing and deciding that an Indian is racist is not acceptable at any cost and should be counter attacked vigorously. First of all nothing short of unconditional revokation of the ban sought. A mere suspension will not do. Also no excuses to be accepted for replacing the umpires. In my opinion, the country's image worldwide is already tarnished by a few selfish idiots. BCCI should cancel the tour. If not, my advise to Indian team to not play even if BCCI asks them to do so. The whole nation will be proud of them and give them a heroes welcome. This is the time to be real brave.
| Most Read Articles |
 |
