Reports | Harbhajan Singh didn't seek NOC from BCCI to participate in The Hundred

On Thursday, it was rumored that Harbhajan Singh had registered himself in the draft for The Hundred at a base price of £100,000, raising eyebrows all around the country in the process. Such a move from Harbhajan would have all but ended his international career, as according to BCCI protocols, active Indian players can't sign up for other leagues around the world at their own discretion and would need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from BCCI. 

However, according to a TOI report, a top BCCI official has now outrightly denied any such developments, stating that Harbhajan did not seek NOC from BCCI and that they clarified with him post the rumours. The official also stated that Harbhajan himself also denied any truth being attached to the rumours.

"Harbhajan has never sought a No Objection Certificate from the BCCI. He can't just enroll his name in any league. It's against the BCCI's policy," a top BCCI official told Times of India.

"The board has checked with him after the report surfaced and he has categorically denied any such development," the official added.

Thanks to BCCI's strict policies, players have refrained themselves from participating in T20 leagues abroad. Yuvraj Singh, who is now retired, was in fact, the first Indian player to participate in a T20 league overseas. But with the career on the line, the BCCI official believes that Harbhajan won't take such drastic steps and would know better. 

"Harbhajan is a seasoned campaigner. He won't take such a drastic step without checking with the board. If he has plans, he will let the board know," the official said.

Harbhajan last featured in Indian colours in an ODI against South Africa in 2015.