India suspend Australia tour pending appeal

SYDNEY: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has suspended its team's tour of Australia pending the outcome of an appeal for banned spinner Harbhajan Singh.   

Harbhajan was suspended on Sunday by the International Cricket Council for three tests after being found guilty of racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds during the second test in Sydney.   

Harbhajan has denied the claims and the BCCI said the tour would be suspended until his appeal had been heard.   

"The Board will appeal to the International Cricket Council to review the decision of the Match Referee and suspend its operation till the appeal is disposed of," the BCCI said in a statement released on Monday.  

"The Indian Board realises the game of cricket is paramount but so too is the honour of the Indian team and for that matter every Indian."   

"To vindicate its position, the Board will fight the blatantly false and unfair slur on an Indian player."   

The Indian team was due to travel to Canberra on Monday to prepare for their next tour match but returned to their hotel rooms after boarding their bus.   

Australia lead the four-match series 2-0.