Decision taken in the interest of the game: BCCI

Welcoming the Indian team management's decision to drop charges against Brad Hogg, BCCI on Monday said the step was taken in "larger interest of the game" and hoped that Australia looks at it positively.

Welcoming the Indian team management's decision to drop charges against Brad Hogg, BCCI on Monday said the step was taken in "larger interest of the game" and hoped that Australia looks at it positively.

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

"Anil did speak to board officials yesterday. The decision to drop the charge against Brad Hogg was taken in the larger interest of the game. India has always upheld the spirit of the game and the on-field issues should not be taken outside the field," Shetty said.

"The decision would help get the focus back on cricket. We are hopeful that cricket will be the winner," he 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 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."