India's Test captain Anil Kumble on Tuesday welcomed the decision to drop the racial-abuse charges against Harbhajan Singh and said it was important for the game of cricket that "we move on".
"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.
"This matter was lingering on for 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," he said when repeatedly asked why India did not press the charge against Andrew Symonds for provoking Harbhajan and whether he should also have been similarly fined.
ICC-appointed Appeals Commissioner Justice John Hansen today overturned the racial-abuse case against Harbhajan but held him guilty of using offensive language against Australia's Symonds, ending a bitter controversy which had posed a threat to the remainder of Indian cricket team's tour of Australia.
The 38-year-old Kumble, who will return home before the start of the tri-series, wished luck to the team under ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and advised them to hold the country's honour at the top.
{{/usCountry}}The 38-year-old Kumble, who will return home before the start of the tri-series, wished luck to the team under ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and advised them to hold the country's honour at the top.
{{/usCountry}}"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."