Steve Buchnor Sacked To Keep Sprit Of The Game Alive, Not On BCCI Complain

West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor was sacked from the remaining India-Australia Test series and cleared Harbhajan Singh to play. The ousted of Steve has nothing to do with BCCI complain, but to keep sprit of the game alive, ICC Chief said.

Bucknor will be replaced by Billy Bowden, New Zealander. He will stand alongside Pakistan's Asad Rauf, who had been originally appointed for this game.

International Cricket Council (ICC) has also cleared Harbhajan from the three test ban for allegedly making racial comments on Andrew Symonds.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said, “It is accepted that Steve, and his on-field colleague Mark Benson, did not have good games by their very high standards and we feel that given the added pressure and attention Steve's presence would have at the third Test, it is better for the match and for Steve himself if he does not take part," and added the fourth and final Test at Adelaide, which starts on January 24, will be umpired by Bowden and Rauf, as per the original appointments, the rediff.com reported.

However, Mike Procter will continue as match referee as planned, who has banned Harbhajan Singh without any proof, in the five hour hearing.

Removing of Steve Bucknor for the remaining match has noting to do with BCCI complain against Bucknor. The decision was made in the best interests of the game and the series, Speed said.