Should we return from Sydney?

Following the latest controversy to hit the world of cricket in Sydney can be confusing for the casual observer. A game of cricket, especially a test match in Australia, usually has its share of bad decisions from the umpires (who can forget the notorious Sachin lbw from 1999?) and incidents of sledging that attract attention for about a couple of days after the end of the game. People (and 'experts') then move on, concentrate on the result of the game, and look forward to the next match.

However, that has not happened this time. The situation has grown from bad to worse, with captains, commentators and columnists making one statement after another, each adding to an already inflamed situation. Kumble uncharacteristically accused the Australians of not playing in the spirit of the game, an unusually belligerent comment from a usually soft-spoken leader. Ponting, on the other hand, has not owned up to his mistakes on the field and off it. The ICC too, has made a frankly surprising (and mature) decision to axe Bucknor from the next match at Perth. And then there was the case of the racial slur that was directed at Andrew Symonds.

What I've found most surprising of all, though, is that we've had calls from former Indian greats, reputable television channels (NDTV), and even some sections within the BCCI for a suspension of the tour itself!

Do I think that's a valid call?

In a nutshell, No! You can argue all you want about the lack of evidence about what Harbhajan Singh told Symonds, about how all bad umpiring decisions went against only one team, and how all this adds up to a situation from which we need to assert ourselves in order maintain our honour. However, in my opinion none of these things is enough to suspend a tour.

You suspend a tour when you have something against the host country. You do NOT suspend a tour if an independent match official declares one of your players a racist, no matter how unfair that situation might seem to you. It does not matter if Harbhajan were innocent - suspending the tour does not prove that he is guiltless. On the other hand, it does send across the signal that we are big bullies in the playground - other countries would get the (correct) idea that the ICC is exceedingly vulnerable to pressure, especially if applied by the powerful BCCI.

The BCCI has stated, as of now, that the tour will go one, pending Harbhajan's appeal. If the decision is taken to suspend the tour, it would be another case of the BCCI doing its best to handle a tricky situation in the worst possible manner.