Harbhajan replies to BCCI showcause notice

Mumbai, Apr 28 (UNI) Off spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was earlier today banned by the Indian Premier League for the rest of the tournament this year for slapping speedster Sreesanth, has replied to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) show cause notice.

The Indian cricket board secretary Niranjan Shah, speaking from Rajkot said the BCCI had received the reply, but he was not in a position to divulge its contents.

The temperamental bowler, who captained Mumbai Indians in their first three matches in the ongoing Twenty20 League, was asked by the BCCI for explanation for slapping Sreesanth after the IPL match against King's XI Punjab at Mohali on April 25.

Harbhajan, a BCCI-contracted player, was slapped with the show cause on April 26 and suspended for the fourth tie of his team against Deccan Chargers yesterday and given time till today to send his reply.

BCCI, under whose jurisdiction IPL is being held, has already appointed Sudhir Nanavati of the Gujarat Cricket Association as the Commissioner to inquire into the matter and his findings are to be put before its disciplinary committee headed by president Sharad Pawar for deciding the further course of action.

UNI GS RN RKM KP1843