After a meeting of its top office-bearers at Pawar's New Delhi residence on Monday morning, the Board decided to summon an emergency Working Committee meeting on the morrow to discuss the future course of action.
The Board stopped short of threatening the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withdraw the ban or else, but the message was clear — 'Don't think we will take this lying down.'
Pride hurt
In his statement, Pawar said, “The BCCI is filing an appeal challenging the order. Unfair allegation of racism against our Indian player is wholly unacceptable. The game of cricket is paramount but so too is the honour of India's cricket team and every Indian.
“The BCCI is committed to protect the country's fair name. India's national commitment is against racism. Our national struggle is based on values which negate racism.”
Pawar, who spoke to captain Anil Kumble and team manager Chetan Chauhan, said: “We expect some decision by tomorrow.”
Shah added, “The Indian Board does not accept the findings of the match referee and has decided to challenge the unfair decision to suspend Harbhajan Singh as it deems it patently unfair. The Board will appeal to the ICC to review the decision and suspend its operation till the appeal is disposed of.  To vindicate its position, the Board will fight the blatantly false and unfair slur on an Indian player.”
Hectic parleying
The Board communicated to the team management not to leave Sydney for Canberra, where they are scheduled to play a warm-up tie from Thursday, until further notice.
Hectic parleying has been on in India, and telephone lines have been burning between India and Australia as the mood of the players — angry, hurt, upset, distraught — is beginning to establish itself on the officialdom.
BCCI adamant
The BCCI wants the 'racial abuse' charge removed post-haste. The appeals process by the ICC involves a hearing by an ICC Appeals Commissioner. The Indian Board is adamant that the man in question keep the sentence in abeyance till the end of the tour, and then conduct the hearing.
There is no precedent there, but this would already appear to be the year of precedents!
There is unsubstantiated talk of senior players getting in touch with senior Board officials, pressing for the BCCI to fight for a clean chit for Harbhajan. The tour is certainly in jeopardy, though if the BCCI eventually tells the players to get on with it, they have little option but to toe the official line.
CA optimistic
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has expressed optimism at the continuance of the tour. “There's nothing to suggest that it won't,” Sutherland said. “Sharad Pawar has overnight made such commitments, so that's good enough for me.”
The Indians brought to Procter's attention at Sunday night's hearing Australian bowler Brad Hogg's use of offensive language against Kumble, though they haven't filed a formal complaint. Sutherland pleaded ignorance on that front.
Bucknor to stay
It is also learnt that as things stand, the ICC has no plans to replace Steve Bucknor, scheduled to stand in the third Test in Perth.
But that's the least of the problems right now!