Luke Pomersbach, in New Delhi, on Friday

Calcutta/New Delhi: There’s no doubt that the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the most fiercely contested one in the tournament’s history. But even that has failed to sketch a spotless image for the often-criticised event.

In what can be called a hat-trick of scandals, that too within a span of just seven days, the IPL-V boat has suddenly hit rough waters.

First the sting operation which unearthed corruption prevalent in the cash-rich tournament and then the Wednesday night drama at the Wankhede involving Shah Rukh Khan and the Mumbai Cricket Association officials.

On Friday, however, the tournament’s image hit an all-time low when Luke Pomersbach, an Australian cricketer plying his trade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, was arrested on charges of molesting a US citizen of Indian origin and severely attacking her fiance, leaving him in hospital.

The incident has been termed “disappointing” by Anil Kumble, who is the mentor of the Vijay Mallya-owned franchise. “I was on a flight... I have just landed and whatever information I have got is from the media. Luke, so far with the RCB, has been exceptional... But it’s disappointing. It’s an unfortunate incident,” Kumble said.

Kumble, who is widely respected both as a cricketer and a human being, said that Pomersbach would not play for the Royal Challengers henceforth. “RCB will certainly not play Luke henceforth and we will cooperate with those who are investigating the incident,” he added.

He also promised an internal investigation into the issue. “Surely, internally also, we will look into this matter as it’s a serious issue,” he said.

The Royal Challengers, in fact, issued a statement which declared that the cricketer would not play for the franchise “pending disposal of the matter”.

“The Royal Challengers Bangalore regrets the incident involving Luke Pomersbach. We will ensure full co-operation with the concerned authorities so that a fair investigation takes place and the issue is disposed of in accordance with law. Pending disposal of this matter Luke Pomersbach will not take the field for the Royal Challengers Bangalore,” the statement read.

Pomersbach, who has not played a single game for the Royal Challengers in IPL-V, allegedly misbehaved with the woman, at the Maurya Sheraton Hotel, in New Delhi, on Thursday night after the Bangalore side’s match against Delhi DareDevils, at the Kotla.

Later in the day, Pomersbach was produced in a Delhi court, where he fainted, but was released on bail for 24 hours.

The player himself has rubbished the allegations and said that he was utterly “shocked and disappointed” by the developments. “I am shocked to be in this position. I can’t believe this is happening and I’m really disappointed when people make things up,” Pomersbach was quoted as saying by the Australian media.