Harbhajan has escape a punishment but warned to 'exercise caution' in the future © Getty Images

Harbhajan Singh has escaped any major disciplinary actions for his comments about Greg Chappell as the Punjab Cricket Association let him off with an advice "to exercise caution while talking to media."

The PCA had summoned him for a hearing over his comments, made on September 25, 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.

After the hearing by the administrative committee the PCA president, I S Bindra, said that the bowler was told that his action was "not in line with the code of the Indian Board and the state association."

Harbhajan was given the reprieve apparently after he tendered an apology to the committee. Bindra added: "In hindsight he has realised he should have avoided airing his views the way he did in public."

Harbhajan was not allowed to take questions from the large number of media present. A statement released by the PCA said: "Harbhajan appeared before the administrative committee of the PCA to explain what he actually meant to say in his statement (on) Sourav Ganguly's captaincy and on the coach Chappell's working.

"The administrative committee has decided to treat the matter as closed after Harbhajan has assured the PCA that he would never again do anything that would hurt him, the state association, the board and Indian cricket."