BCCI welcomes move to drop charges against Hogg

Mumbai, Jan 14 (UNI) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today welcomed the decision of the Indian team management in Australia to drop charges against Brad Hogg.

The decision has been taken in ''larger interest of the game'', the Board said and hoped that Australia looks at it positively.

BCCI Chief Administrative Office Ratnakar Shetty said Anil Kumble had spoken to Board officials and the decision would help get the focus back on cricket.

''Anil did speak to Board officials yesterday. India has always upheld the spirit of the game and the on-field issues should not be taken outside the field,'' Shetty said.

Asked whether the hosts should reciprocate and drop the racial abuse charges against Harbhajan Singh, Shetty said, ''We really hope that Australia looks at it positively.'' BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said the Australian team has expressed their gratitude.

''The Administrative Manager of the Indian team from Perth has just informed us that he has withdrawn the allegations against Hogg.

The Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Hogg have spoken to Administrative Manager Chetan Chauhan and expressed their gratitude. They are feeling very glad over the magnanimity that Team India has shown,'' Shukla said.

BCCI Vice President Lalit Modi said, ''I am glad they have done that. We are happy for the game. The players should settle the issues on the field.'' UNI GS MAZ RKM KKP-1717