The Board of Control for Cricket in India appointed advocate Sudhir Nanavati as Commissioner for a preliminary inquiry into Harbhajan Singh's [Images] alleged slapping of India teammate and Indian Premier League opponent S Sreesanth [Images].

"As per the constitution, BCCI has appointed Sudhir Nanavati, Advocate, Ahmedabad, as Commissioner to make preliminary inquiry and call for explanation from the concerned person(s) and submit his report within 15 days to BCCI president Sharad Pawar [Images] to look into the matter of disciplinary action against Harbhajan Singh," the BCCI said in a statement on Monday.

Harbhajan allegedly slapped Sreesanth after Kings XI Punjab beat Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League match in Mohali.

The BCCI statement, issued by secretary Niranjan Shah, said after Pawar goes through the report, he will refer it to the board's disciplinary committee.

"On receipt of the report, the president will refer the same to Disciplinary Committee," the statement added.

Harbhajan is appearing before an IPL disciplinary hearing, conducted by match referee Farokh Engineer, in Delhi on Monday after having already admitted to getting physical with Sreesanth. He faces the risk of being banned for a few matches.

Slapping a fellow-player constitutes a Level 4 offence as per the ICC [Images] Code of Conduct and could lead to a maximum punishment of a life ban or a minimum of five Tests or 10 ODIs.