Harbhajan handed five-game suspension

NEW DELHI, India -- India bowler Harbhajan Singh has been banned for five one-day internationals for slapping a teammate -- and warned of a life ban if he steps out of line again.

The off-spinner, 27, will miss next month's triangular one-day series in Bangladesh and initial matches of the Asia Cup in Pakistan following the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

He had already been handed an 11-match ban from a domestic Twenty20 tournament after his attack during the event on Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, who was left in tears.

"The disciplinary committee decided to ban Harbhajan for five one-day internationals and observed that any further instance of misconduct will invoke a life ban," said BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah.

Harbhajan admitted his guilt and assured the committee there would not be any misconduct in the future, the statement added.

The incident in Mohali last month left Sreesanth weeping inconsolably in full view of television cameras. Harbhajan later apologised to his India teammate.

Harbhajan has bagged 275 wickets in 66 Tests and 189 in 171 one-dayers. He was banned for three Tests earlier this year after being found guilty of making racist remarks against Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, but was let off with a fine following an appeal to the International Cricket Council.

The BCCI also warned Sreesanth, saying it would take "appropriate decision" if the fast bowler did not improve his on-field behavior.

Sreesanth, 25, has taken 50 wickets in 14 Tests and 59 in 41 one-day internationals.