Not Harbhajan, Diplomacy won in Australia

Millions of cricket fans celebrate the "victory" of Harbhajan Singh in the racism row. But it's the back-door diplomacy between BCCI and Cricket Australia, which won the day at Adelaide. The Cricket Australia made it clear to its players that it can't afford a pull out from the BCCI.

Earlier, the BCCI had threatened to pull of the series if racism charges against Harbhajan is not dropped. According to Australian media sources, the BCCI had gone up to the extent of booking a chartered plane to fly its players home had the verdict gone against Harbhajan.

The Australian players are fuming the way their board Cricket Australia let them down. They were determined to teach Harbhajan a lesson and damage his morale forever. However, that did not happen. On the contrary, the Aussies had to face humiliation before the world. They secretly admitted that it was the money power shown by Indian cricket board that forced them eat humble pie. Ironically, Symonds had to testify before the Judge that he did not remember what Harbhajan said. He also admitted of provoking Harbhajan to utter foul language.

Harbhajan admitted that he abused Symonds with the words "Teri Maa Ki..." which is considered a slang in Hindi. He denied of using "Monkey" word. Even the Judge had to ask Sachin Tendulkar and others to know the exact meaning of the word. Since the charge was minor under Level 2.8, Harbhajan was fined only 50 per cent of his match fee (Rs. 75,000 only). He walked out with his head on a high, while the Australians who rallied against him, came out
of the court dejected and disgusted.

Australian media have taken strong exception to way the entire issue was handled. Almost all newspapers and TV channels have criticized the Cricket Australia and BCCI for bringing the game into "disrepute". They have termed the day of judgment as "Cricket's day of shame".

Noted sports columnist Peter Roebuke, who turned against the Australian players after Sydney test fiasco, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald , said India's threat to fly its players home if the appeal failed was "amongst the most nakedly aggressive actions taken in the history of a notoriously fractious game." "If this is the way the Indian board intends to conduct its affairs hereafter, then God help cricket," Roebuck added.

Bowing to the pressure of millions of cricket fans in the country, the BCCI stood by its players through thick and thin. However, it's not taking any more chance. According to reports, the board has asked its players, particularly Harbhajan and Sreesanth to cut down their aggression in the upcoming tri-series and control their emotion. The recent crisis was the worst in cricket history after "Bodyline" series. It will be in the interest of the game, if such incidents do not occur again.