Not eligible for Khel Ratna, says Harbhajan Singh

The truth is I am not eligible for Khel Ratna. I had asked the Punjab government to withdraw my nomination for the award.

HARBHAJAN SINGH, veteran Indian cricketer

NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh said on Saturday that it was he himself who asked the Punjab government to withdraw his nomination for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

In a series of tweets, Harbhajan said he is not eligible for the award, which is the highest sporting honour in the country.

“Dear friends, I have been flooded with calls as to why Punjab government withdrew my name from Khel Ratna nominations. The truth is I am not eligible for Khel Ratna, which primarily considers the international performances in last three years, Harbhajan tweeted.

“The Punjab government is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name.

Would urge my friends in the media not to speculate. Thank you and regards,” he tweeted.

“Lot of confusion & speculation regarding my nomination for Khel Ratna so let me clarify. Yes, last year the nomination was sent late but this year I only asked Punjab government to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further,” the off-spinner said.

Harbhajan’s nomination for the award was rejected last year after the Punjab government had sent the documents to the sports ministry after the last date for the same had passed. This year, however, the nomination was filed on time, only for the state government to take it back with no explanation. With 417 wickets, he is India’s third-highest wickettaker in Test cricket after Anil Kumble (619) and Kapil Dev (434).