The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked India to commit to completing the Test series against Australia as the world body will not be held to ransom over the Harbhajan Singh issue.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed insisted that the off-spinner's appeal against a three-Test ban for alleged racial abuse could be heard before the end of the series, but said India would have to abide by any ruling.
"I am very pleased the tour is going ahead, there is a process in place for appeals and Harbhajan Singh has appealed," Speed told The Australian newspaper.
"India have signed off on the appeals process. They were there when all the discussions took place.
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"We can't have one set of rules for the India team and another set for everyone else. We will follow the process and and I hope, whatever the outcome all parties will be able to say they have had a fair hearing," the ICC CEO said.
The appeal will be heard by New Zealand High Court judge Justice John Hansen at a venue still to be determined.
Speed said the logistical issues of gathering all the required players to give evidence was the only matter of concern, denying suggestions ICC may want to put off the problem until after the Test series was over.
