Zeenews Bureau
Adelaide, Jan 29: India`s Test captain Anil Kumble appreciated ICC`s decision to drop the racial abuse allegation against the `Turbanator`. India`s leading wicket taker said that this decision was very important for the game of cricket. The latest decision is bound to reflect well on the India-Australia cricketing relations. He thanked all the supporters who stood by the off spinner and the team.
The latest decision is bound to reflect well on the India-Australia cricketing relations. He thanked all the supporters who stood by the off spinner and the team.
"This matter was lingering on for last two weeks although we played cricket. I am happy and relieved not only for Harbhajan but also for cricket... It`s been a fantastic result and I am sure cricket would be the winner," he said when repeatedly asked why India did not press the charge against Andrew Symonds for provoking Harbhajan and whether he should also have been similarly fined.
ICC-appointed Appeals Commissioner Justice John Hansen on Tuesday overturned the racial-abuse case against Harbhajan but held him guilty of using offensive language against Australia`s Symonds, ending a bitter controversy which had posed a threat to the remainder of Indian cricket team`s tour of Australia.
The 38-year-old Kumble, who will return home before the start of the tri-series, wished luck to the team under ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and advised them to hold the country`s honour at the top.
"I take the opportunity to wish everyone in the Indian one-day team -- skipper Mahinder Singh Dhoni and his young team -- best of luck and I am sure they would play the game in the spirit of the game, and the prestige and honour of our country will be upheld."
