Harbhajan asked to appear before Punjab board

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has summoned Harbhajan Singh, the Indian offspinner, for a hearing on Thursday following his outburst against Greg Chappell, India's coach.

This came in the wake of Harbhajan's statement where he backed Sourav Ganguly, the Indian captain, crediting him for the success of the team while accusing Chappell of creating "fear and insecurity" among the players.

"Harbhajan Singh rang me up after this thing came in the media," MP Pandove, the PCA secretary, told PTI. "We have asked him to come and meet us to give his version of what has been coming in the media."

He said Harbhajan has been called on Thursday, when the PCA's Administrative Committee is to meet to review arrangements for the forthcoming Challenger Trophy, starting on October 10.

Asked what Harbhajan had to say when he called up, Pandove said, "he told me that he will present his side when he meets us". On whether Harbhajan had confirmed he would appear before the committee on Thursday, Pandove said, "we will like him to come on that date. Harbhajan is registered with PCA and is a part of the Indian team. The Administrative Committee has taken note of and considered the statements made by him. Only after talking to him, we would be able to put things in right perspective."