Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday explained why the Punjab government decided to withdraw his nomination for this year’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. He stated that he is not eligible for the country’s highest sporting honour.
“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 the last three years,” the 40-year-old cricketer 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 Govt to withdraw my nomination because I don’t fall under the 3-year eligibility criteria. Don’t speculate further
— 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2.The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name.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 🙏🙏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 18, 2020
“The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name. Would urge my friends in media not to speculate.”
Notably, the off-spinner who has taken 417 Test wickets and 269 ODI wickets, is an Arjuna awardee and was also given Padma Shri.
Bhajji last donned the Indian colours in 2015.