The following is a statement from the ICC following the conclusion of Harbhajan Singh’s appeal hearing, which was held today in Adelaide, South Australia:

Prior to the hearing, a letter signed by all the players involved – from both Australia and India – was tendered into evidence as an agreed statement of facts as to what took place during the Sydney Test match.

The hearing lasted the full day before the independent Appeals Commissioner Justice John Hansen and included video and audio evidence of the incident in question.

During the hearing, oral evidence was called by John Jordan SC, counsel assisting the Appeals Commissioner. The hearing heard evidence from all witnesses to the exchange between Harbhajan and a number of Australia players.

These witnesses were then cross-examined by Brian Ward, counsel representing the Australia players, and Advocate VR Manohar, who represented Harbhajan Singh. At the conclusion of the oral evidence, legal submissions were then heard from all legal counsel.

Justice Hansen said he was convinced that, on all the evidence submitted before him, the charge of a Level 3.3 offence was not proven but that Harbhajan should be charged with a Level 2.8 offence.

Harbhajan pleaded guilty to this charge and, after hearing submissions on the penalty, Justice Hansen imposed a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee.

Justice Hansen has advised the ICC that he intends to deliver his full reasons on Wednesday at 1700 (Adelaide time) at a venue to be confirmed in due course.

The ICC will make no further comment prior to Justice Hansen’s full judgment being delivered.