The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Sydney

India spinner Harbhajan Singh has been cleared of racial abuse after the charges against him were dropped, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) told Reuters today.

Harbhajan was originally suspended for three matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Australian all-rounder Andrew Symondsduring the second test.

The BCCI told Reuters the more serious charge of racial abuse had been downgraded to a lesser charge of using abusive language at today's appeal hearing in Adelaide.

"The racial abuse charges have been dropped," BCCI board secretary Niranjan Shah said.

"It is finished. The punishment is only for using obscene language."