IPL Governing Council slaps ban over Harbhajan Singh

NI Wire

New Delhi

Tue, 29 Apr 2008: 

Mumbai Indians stand-in-captain Harbhajan Singh was found guilty of slapping his fellow Team India player S Sreesanth and was subsequently banned for 11 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and fined 100 per cent of his last match fee by the IPL Governing Council here on Monday.

The stern penalty laid down over Indian offie was based on prima facie video evidence and an independent investigation conducted by the match referee Farokh Engineer.

On the basis of referee’s report, the Governing Council of the IPL decided to suspend Harbhajan Singh for the next 11 matches of the Indian Premier League here on Monday.

The suspension will be additional to a fine of 100% match fees beginning with the third match. While S. Sreesanth was given a let off with a stern warning by the Match Referee.

The harsh punishment clearly indicates that the off-spinner wouldn’t be able to play in the inaugural edition of much-famed IPL any longer. In addition Harbhajan Singh will also be losing out a hefty sum in excess of Rs 3 crores.

Commenting over the ban, Lalit Modi, Chairman & Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League said, "While we did appreciate Harbhajan taking responsibility of his actions, the fact remained that his action against a fellow cricketer was unprovoked.”

“More importantly from a BCCI and Indian Premier League perspective it was conduct completely against the Spirit of Cricket. Importantly, all the cricketers playing in the inaugural season are role models for an entire generation of youth and it is crucial for youngsters all over the world to learn the values of this great game and the spirit in which it should be played,” Modi added.

Announcing the verdict after the hearing at the capital, Farokh Engineer the Match Referee also charged the coach of the Mumbai Indians Lalchand Rajput with a level 2 misconduct stating that 50% of his match fee will also be forfeited, as he did not take any step to stop Harbhajan Singh.

Reacting on his punishment, the off-spinner said, "I got punishment for what I did but the BCCI has always treated me like its child and I hope they will continue to support me.”

“I will surely bring smiles to your faces when I will come back to play again," said Harbhajan after the decision.