New Delhi, July 18

Veteran Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh mentioned on Saturday that it was he himself who requested the Punjab authorities to withdraw his nomination for the celebrated Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

In a collection of tweets, Harbhajan mentioned that he’s not eligible for the award, which is the very best sporting honour within the nation.

“1.Dear friends I have been flooded with calls as to why Punjab Govt 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.'” 

1.Dear associates
I’ve been flooded with calls as to why Punjab Govt withdrew my identify from Khel Ratna nominations. The fact is I’m not eligible for Khel Ratna which primarily considers the worldwide performances in final three years.

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020

“2.The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name. Would urge my friends in media not to speculate. Thank you and regards,” he tweeted.

2.The Punjab Govt isn’t at fault right here as they’ve rightly withdrawn my identify. Would urge my associates in media to not speculate. Thank you and regards 🙏🙏

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020

“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 Govt to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further.” The Sports Ministry, in its doc wherein it explains the eligibility for anybody to be nominated for the Khel Ratna, amongst different factors, says “spectacular and outstanding performances in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years immediately preceding the year during which the award is to be given shall be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.” 

Lot of confusion & hypothesis relating to my nomination for Khel Ratna so let me make clear. Yes final yr the nomination was despatched late however this yr I solely requested Punjab Govt to withdraw my nomination as a result of I don’t fall below the 3-year eligibility standards. Don’t speculate additional

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020

Harbhajan’s nomination for the award was rejected final yr after the Punjab authorities had despatched the paperwork to the Sports Ministry after the final date for a similar had handed. 

This yr, nonetheless, the nomination was filed on time, just for the state authorities to take it again with no rationalization. 

Harbhajan was a part of the Indian groups that received the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup. 

With 417 wickets, he’s India’s third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket after Anil Kumble (619) and Kapil Dev (434). IANS