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Cricket

India drop Hogg case

14/01/2008

India have decided to drop the case against Australia spinner Brad Hogg, who was accused of abusive and offensive remarks in the second Test.

It was alleged that Hogg directed the remarks towards India captain Anil Kumble and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the match in Sydney.

The complaint lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) was one of a number of issues arising from the controversial Test.

Harbhajan Singh was handed a three-match ban by the ICC for allegedly racially abusing Andrew Symonds, although he is appealing the decision.

And the match itself ended in dramatic fashion after some disputed decisions by the umpires, Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor, leading to the latter official being dropped from the third Test in Perth.

But with a view to putting to bed any rumours that the India team could forfeit the rest of the tour in protest against their hosts' actions, which were called "unsportsmanlike and outside the spirit of the game", Kumble and Australia captain Ricky Ponting attended a clear-the-air meeting to discuss "a number of issues".

After the meeting Kumble described the action against Hogg as "in the heat of the moment" and confirmed that the two had spoken and were now on better terms.

"Ricky and I met up, had a discussion along with Ranjan [Madugalle, the ICC's chief match referee] and after that we decided that it was important that the game of cricket moves on."

He continued: "Cricket is larger than any individual so it is important that we forget about what happened in Sydney, which had some bad memories and incidents. It is time to move on.

"In view of that, we have decided as a team to withdraw the charge made against Brad Hogg."

ICC chief Mike Proctor confirmed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had withdrawn its case against Hogg, adding "it's a magnificent gesture by India… a wonderful gesture showing what sportsmanship they possess".

He added: "As far as we are concerned, with the charge withdrawn, the case is dismissed and the matter is now closed.

"It's all behind us now, so we can get on with the cricket."