Courtesy: CricketNirvana

{Excerpts of the letter sent by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to BCCI in response to the showcause notice issued to him over the slapgate incident}

Dear Sirs ,

I have received your letter asking me to explain the incident that took place between Sreesanth and me at Mohali on the 25th April 2008.

I would like to express my genuine regret over my actions after the match between my team, the Mumbai Indians and Sreesanth's team Kings XI Punjab where I had a physical response to a verbal comment from Sreesanth.

I accept and understand completely that there is no place for acts like mine on the field of play and amongst cricketers. I admit that I responded completely instinctively and impulsively but what happened was completely unintentional and unfortunate.

I never meant to cause any physical hurt to Sreesanth. When we play for India together he is not just my team-mate, but is like a younger brother to me. I did not realise my actions turn out to cause him so much distress.

As a result of what happened, I understand and accept this has caused great embarrassment to the BCCI and put my team-mates both in the Indian team and the IPL squads into a very difficult position for which I am extremely sorry and would like to genuinely apologise to this to all of you.

I did apologise to Sreesanth after the incident and I would do so again in public if needed. I deeply acknowledge that the BCCI has been a source of great support and strength for me, the events for the last six months have only emphasised this understanding.

Along with accepting my most sincere and heartfelt apologies over this incident, I would like to appeal to the board's sense of fair play and ask for one final chance before taking any disciplinary action against me over this incident.
 
I have no hesitation in saying that if I am found involved in an incident of this kind or been judged to have provoked a similar incident in the future, I am ready to accept whatever punishment or penalty you may seem fit to impose on me.

Thanking you,

Harbhajan Singh