Harbhajan says sorry

Harbhajan Singh regrets his actions © Getty Images

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Harbhajan Singh has apologised to Sri Sreesanth after being handed an 11-match ban following their clash at the end of an Indian Premier League match.

The 27-year-old off-spinner has expressed his regret over the altercation last Friday, which left his India colleague in tears.

“I am very apologetic about the whole incident,” said Harbhajan.

“What I did to Sri was wrong. He is like my younger brother. I regret my actions that have hurt Sreesanth's feelings.”

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

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.

“I gave a fair hearing to the parties concerned and both of them gave me their points of view.

“Sreesanth was quiet most of the time. I told him to concentrate on his career and that he had a bright future ahead of him.”

Engineer insists he still rates Harbhajan as a player and reckons he is lucky to have got off so lightly.

“I know Harbhajan well,” he said. “He is a good bowler. I was the one who helped him sign up for Lancashire. I wouldn’t recommend a person who I wasn’t sure of for the county.

“Harbhajan had no intention to assault. Things happen sometimes in a weak moment. The punishment could have been worse. He is lucky to get away and he knows this.”