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Harbhajan issue: CA unhappy

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Harbhajan Singh’s comments on some of the Australian players after his return from down under has resulted in a heated exchange between the BCCI and Cricket Australia. The Punjab off-spinner, talking to a section of the media, had reportedly called Matthew Hayden a liar and declared that Adam Gilchrist was “no saint.”

Cricket Australia, on Sunday, literally insisted that the BCCI take action against the Indian off-spinner, following which the BCCI instructed him to refrain from talking to the media on the incidents that took place during the three month tour of Australia. “He has been warned,” said Niranjan Shah, Secretary, BCCI.

The issue reached a virtual flashpoint, with CA expressing dissatisfaction at the BCCI’s handling of the case.

Shah, in his reply to CA, said: “The BCCI has instructed Harbhajan Singh and all of the other players to not talk about the incidents in Australia to the media, but you must also understand that Harbhajan Singh too is hurt by statements made by Matthew Hayden to the media.”

“Let us put all this behind us and ask our players to refrain from talking to the media.”

Sutherland replied saying: “Two wrongs don’t make a right. Taking matters to the media is no excuse for professional sportsmen governed by a code of conduct.” He further said BCCI’s explanation and action smacked of double standards — on one hand asking CA to take action against Hayden (for his “obnoxious little weed” remark on Harbhajan) but not taking action on its own player on the other.

It should be recalled that CA had conducted an inquiry after the BCCI brought to its notice Hayden’s disparaging comments on Harbhajan and had reprimanded him with a censure in the course of the Commonwealth Bank tri-series.

“Enough is enough. Despite assurances that you have instructed him not to fuel this issue any more, Harbhajan continues to say whatever he wants. When will it ever end? Could you please deal with your player in regard to these comments?” Sutherland told Shah.

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