Harbhajan issues apology following ban

Harbhajan Singh has apologised to Shanthakumaran Sreesanth after being handed an 11-match ban following the clash with his India team-mate at the end of an Indian Premier League match last Friday.

The Mumbai Indians bowler was also fined 100% of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 4.2 offence under the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct for apparently slapping Sreesanth following Kings XI Punjab's 66-run victory.

The 27-year-old off-spinner has expressed his regret over the altercation, which left his international colleague in tears. He said: "I am very apologetic about the whole incident," Harbhajan said. What I did to Sree was wrong. He is like my younger brother. I regret my actions that have hurt Sreesanth's feelings."

The suspension will likely see Harbhajan miss the remainder of the inaugural IPL campaign. He would only return to the series should the Indians reach the semi-finals.

After Monday's 45-minute hearing, which was chaired by match referee Farokh Engineer, Harbhajan and Sreesanth hugged and shook hands for the cameras.

Mumbai coach Lalchand Rajput was fined 50% of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 2 offence at the same hearing.

"Rajput did not do enough to stop the incident," said IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. "Rajput was right behind Harbhajan when the incident took place. He didn't take any step to restrain him."

Sreesanth, meanwhile, was let off with a warning for his part.

Former India wicketkeeper Engineer revealed after the hearing that everyone involved had accepted their punishments.

He said: "Whatever decision has been handed over has been accepted by all parties concerned - Sreesanth with a warning, Rajput a fine and Harbhajan a ban."