Harbhajan Singh has been handed an 11-match ban and fined his match fee for his role in a clash with Sri Sreesanth in the Indian Premier League match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.

The Mumbai bowler was found guilty of a Level 4.2 offence under the International Cricket Council's code of conduct after television pictures appeared to show Harbhajan slapping his India team-mate after Punjab’s 66-run victory.

The suspension means Harbhajan is likely to miss the remainder of the inaugural IPL campaign. He would only return only if Mumbai reach the semi-finals.

Harbhajan pleaded guilty and expressed regret over the incident during a 45-minute hearing today chaired by Farookh Engineer, the match referee. The 27-year-old, who captained Mumbai in Friday’s game in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, is likely to face a separate inquiry from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI has appointed Sudhir Nanavati to head up a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Nanavati is expected to submit his report to Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, within 15 days.

Lalchand Rajput, the Mumbai coach, was fined 50 pre cent of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 2 offence at the same hearing.

“Rajput did not do enough to stop the incident,” Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, said. “Rajput was right behind Harbhajan when the incident took place. He didn’t take any step to restrain him.” Sreesanth was let off with a warning for his part in the altercation.