The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday that Hansen’s appointment was made by its senior counsel Urvasi Naidoo in line with the Code of Conduct processes.
Adding that Hansen would start making preparations for the appeal hearing, the ICC made it clear that no time, date or venue for the appeal had been fixed yet. The process in place indicates to the appeal being heard within seven days of the commissioner being appointed. However, this time period may be extended if circumstances dictate, as appears possible in this instance. The Indian team will not reach Perth, the venue of next Wednesday's third Test, until Sunday, the same day the Aussies are expected to assemble there.
Match referee Mike Procter is to hear the Level 3 charge against Brad Hogg on Monday, and it is doubtful if Hansen will conduct the appeals hearing the same day or on Tuesday, which is the day preceding the Test match.
Procter had held Harbhajan guilty of racial abuse directed at Symonds and handed out a three-Test ban. Under the provisions of the Code of Conduct, Hansen has the power to increase, decrease, amend or otherwise substitute his own decision from that made at the previous hearing, and his decision is final and binding, according to an ICC release. Harbhajan can continue to play pending the verdict of the appeal.