Adelaide, Jan 29: Indian Test skipper Anil Kumble today hailed the ICC for absolving Harbhajan Singh of race abuse charges saying,'' I am happy and relieved not only for Harbhajan but also for cricket... It's been a fantastic result and I am sure cricket would be the winner.''

''I would like to express my thanks to all those who have supported our cause -- the Australian cricket team, Cricket Australia -- for coming together with us to ensure we move on,'' Kumble said after Justice Hansen cleared Harbhjan Singh of racial abuse charges. Justice John Hansen, the ICC appointed Appeals Commissioner, overturned the racial-abuse case against Harbhajan but fined him 50 per cent of match fee because of using abhorrent words against Symonds during the second Test at Sydney.

The 38-year-old leg-spinner welcomed the result and said, ''This matter was lingering for the last two weeks although we played cricket. I am happy and relieved not only for Harbhajan but also for cricket... It's been a fantastic result and I am sure cricket would be the winner.'' Kumble will be back home before the tiangular series commencing on February 3.

''I take the opportunity to wish everyone in the Indian one-day team -- skipper Mahinder Singh Dhoni and his young team -- best of luck and I am sure they would play the game in the spirit of the game, and the prestige and honour of our country will be upheld,'' he said.

UNI