Veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday (July 18) opened up on Punjab government’s decision to withdraw his name from the Khel Ratna award shortlist, admitting he wasn't eligible for the accolade.

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In a tweet, Harbhajan mentioned that an athlete's performance over the last 3 years has to be taken into account for him/her to be shortlisted for the award. Notably, the 40-year-old has not played for India since 2016.

"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.

"The Punjab Govt is not at fault here as they have rightly withdrawn my name.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 wrote on Twitter.

Last year, Harbhajan's nomination for Khel Ratna award was rejected due to late submission of documents to sports ministry.

Following the rejection, the Turbanator appealed to the Punjab government (Sports Ministry) to look into the matter. Subsequently, the state Sports Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi ordered an inquiry into the alleged delay in sending his documents to the centre.

But this year, Harbhajan revealed that he himself asked the Punjab government not to nominate him for the prestigious honour.

"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," he further tweeted.

Having made his international debut in 1998, Harbhajan Singh has represented India in 103 Tests, claiming 417 wickets. He has also picked 269 wickets in 236 ODIs and 25 scalps from 28 T20Is.