ICC clear Harbhajan of racial abuse charges

Melbourne, Jan 29 (UNI) India will continue their tour Down Under as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has cleared Harbhajan Singh of racial vilification against Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds .

ICC appeals Commissioner Justice John Hansen of New Zealand will make the formal ruling and provide details of today's proceedings in Adelaide Federal Court building.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting and his team mates Andrew Symonds, Mathew Hayden and Michael Clarke are believed to have dropped racism charges against the Indian off-spinner.

Harbhajan Singh was suspended by the ICC match referee umpire Mike Procter for allegedly calling Andrew Symonds a 'monkey' in the second Test at Sydney.

Justice Hansen gave his ruling after a five hours hearing of an appeal by Harbhajan and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

India are now scheduled to move to Melbourne for a Twenty20 tie against Australia on Friday.

The two teams would then be joined by Sri Lanka for a one day international tri-series which would start from February 3.

UNI XC RAR AS1302