Cricket News

Harbhajan Singh alleges of illegal activities in Punjab Cricket Association in a letter to CM Bhagwant Mann

Former India cricketer and Punjab Cricket Association’s chief advisor Harbhajan Singh, has alleged that some office bearers are engaging in ‘illegal activities’ in the state body. Harbhajan, though, didn’t mention the names of the accused in his letter, which was sent to PCA members and district units of the body.

The 42-year-old, also a Rajya Sabha MP, sent a detailed letter about ‘malpractices’ by the current regime to CM Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

“The crux of the matter is PCA is trying hard to induct 150 members with voting rights to tilt the balance in their favour and these inductions are being done without the assent of apex council/general body or without consulting the Chief Advisor (Singh),” Harbhajan wrote in his letter.

“Therefore, these are against the Indian Cricket Board’s constitution, guidelines of PCA and violations of transparency and ethical norms of the sports bodies. To hide their illegal activities, they are not organising formal meetings of the PCA and are taking all decisions suo moto which serve their selfish motives,” he further wrote.”

I had no option but to individually write to the members: Harbhajan

When asked about his letter, Harbhajan told PTI, “I have been receiving complaints for a good 10-15 days about how the top functionary is going about its job. I have been appointed chief advisor and have been repeatedly kept in the dark about many policy decisions.”

“Today, I was told that they have already taken membership subscription amount from 60- to 70 people. The process needs to be stopped immediately. I had no option but to individually write to the members and also inform the Chief Minister,” he added.

Having made his debut way back in 1998 for India, Harbhajan bid adieu to international cricket on December 24, 2021. He represented India in 103 Tests picking up 417 wickets at an average of 32.46 and a strike rate of 68.5.  Apart from his heroics with the ball, the off-spinner was also a handy batter down the order. His two hundreds and nine fifties in Tests are a testament to his batting prowess. The Punjab spinner also has 269 wickets and 25 wickets in ODIs and T20Is respectively.