Harbhajan's name was included in 'The Hundred' Players' Draft at a base price of GBP 100,000.
India veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday made it clear that he will be playing the next edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and will withdraw his name from the Players' Draft of the new 'The Hundred' league in the United Kingdom.
While talking to PTI about Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Harbhajan said, “For me, IPL and Chennai Super Kings remain priorities. I have had two good seasons with CSK where we played two finals. So right now, a good third season is what I am looking at.”
There were some speculations that Harbhajan's name was included in Players' Draft at a base price of GBP 100,000 for this ‘The Hundred’ league. But since the 39-year-old is still an active cricketer, BCCI rules would not have allowed him to play without the formal announcement of retirement.
While talking about this BCCI rule, the off-spinner said, “I respect rules laid down by my parent body. I will never flout any BCCI rule. If that means withdrawing my name from the draft, so be it. I will withdraw my name.”
When asked about the concept of ‘The Hundred’, the 100 ball format, the Jalandhar based cricketer said, “I don't want to break any rules but I find the concept interesting. As and when, the rules allow me to play, I would definitely like to be a part of it.”
Harbhajan is on the commentary team for the on-going India versus South Africa Test series. But, it is expected that he will be back training after the series as he is set to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (National T20) for Punjab to get some game time.
(With PTI inputs)