The PCA had summoned the off-spinner for a hearing over the latter's comments that Chappell's strict regime had instilled fears and insecurity among members of the Indian team and that the Australian was using a divide and rule policy.

PCA president I S Bindra, after the hearing said that the bowler was told that his action was "not in consonance with the code of the BCCI and the state association."

The spinner was given the reprieve apparently after he tendered an apology to the committee.

Harbhajan said: "that in hindsight he has realized he should have avoided airing his views the way he did in public," Bindra said.