Amid growing speculations over Harbhajan Singh entering 'The Hundred' draft, an all-new cricketing tournament in England, the BCCI has put matter to rest stating that the veteran spinner did not submit his name in the draft as yet.


The news of Harbhajan reportedly entering the Hundred came to the fore front former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh recently played in the Global T20 League Canada but that happened only after he had announced retirement from all forms of cricket.

Yuvraj had also sought an NoC from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in the league. As far as Harbhajan's case is concerned, however, it has been learnt that he has denied submitting his name for the draft on being questioned for the same by the BCCI.

"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. The board has checked with him after the report surfaced and he has categorically denied any such development," a top BCCI official told Times of India on Thursday.

Although reports surfaced of Harbhajan putting his name in the draft, the official is of the opinion that Bhajji wouldn't take such a big step without consulting the board. A similar route like Yuvraj could be taken here but that would need the Turbanator to call time on his career first.

"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 added.

The 39-year-old off-spinner has not yet retired from international cricket and he is still part of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) Chennai Super Kings. According to BCCI rules, any active player cannot sign for foreign leagues at his own discretion. Recently, Yuvraj Singh had retired from Indian cricket to participate in Global T20 League.

The Hundred is a tournament comprising eight city-based franchises where each match will be played of just 100 deliveries. The maiden edition will be played on July 2020 and each of the franchises will have a men's and women's team each.