ICC investigating Harbhajan outburst: Report

MELBOURNE: International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating Harbhajan Singh's reported outburst against Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist to nip in the bud any open conflict between Indian Board and Cricket Australia, a media report has claimed.
    
According to 'The Australian', match referees Mike Procter and Jeff Crowe have asked India to reign in Harbhajan.
    
"We are aware of Harbhajan Singh's comments and are in dialogue with the two boards (Australia and India)," the newspaper quoted an ICC spokesman as saying.
    
Harbhajan could be charged with unbecoming conduct, which carries penalties, including suspension, the report added.
    
The ICC's reported investigation comes after the BCCI had asked Harbhajan not to speak to the media on Australian tour.
    
Harbhajan was reported by a newspaper that he had called Hayden "a liar" and Gilchrist "no saint" though the off-spinner denied having said that.
    
"Yes, we received a mail from Cricket Australia about Harbhajan Singh. He has been told not to talk to the media on the Australian tour. He has to accept our directive," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said on Sunday.
    
On Saturday, CA had shot off a letter to Shah demanding to take action against Harbhajan for his reported outburst.
    
"Enough is enough. Despite assurances that you have instructed him not to fuel this issue any more, Harbhajan continues to say whatever he wants. When will it ever end? Could you please deal with your player in regard to these comments," CA chief executive James Sutherland wrote in the letter.