The International Cricket Council has indicated that the hearing into the appeal against the three-Test ban on Harbhajan Singh could be delayed even though the rules say it should be held within seven days of appointment of a Commissioner.

An ICC spokesman said it was "possible" Harbhajan's hearing would not be held until after the third Test, beginning on January 16 at Perth.

The spokesman did not elaborate whether it could be delayed until after the Adelaide Test--a situation that would allow the heat of the Harbhajan issue to die down.

"It should be held within seven days of a Commissioner being appointed but that can be extended depending on circumstances," he said.

New Zealand High Court judge John Hansen was on Wednesday appointed as Commissioner for the hearing.