Cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Friday became the second high-profile Chennai Super Kings cricketer after batsman Suresh Raina to withdraw from the 2020 IPL in the UAE due to personal reasons. While the veteran off-spinner clearly stated that he wanted to stay with his family at this ‘difficult’ time and the CSK team management has been very supportive of his decision, it was speculated that all 13 staff members, including two cricketers, gave positive for Covid-19, could have had a role in it.
Also follow | Total IPL Coverage 2020
However, a friend of Harbhajan clarified that it was purely personal and that the situation in Dubai did not influence the non-participant’s decision to opt out of the IPL. A source close to Harbhajan said it would be “absurd” to attribute the decision to 13 cases of Covid-19 in the CSK camp.
Read also | Harbhajan Singh Withdraws From IPL 2020 Citing Personal Reasons
“It was not about the Covid cases in the Chennai camp. But if you have a wife and a young child who stay in India for three months, your mind will wander and you will not be able to fully focus on the game. So it doesn’t matter if you get two crore or 20 crore. Money is the last thing on your mind, ”a friend of the player told PTI under conditions of anonymity.
Read also | CSK reacts after Harbhajan Singh retires
Harbhajan, who is currently in Jalandhar, Punjab, requested privacy after his decision.
“I will not play IPL this year for personal reasons. These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy while spending time with my family. CSK management has been very supportive and I wish you an excellent IPL. Stay safe and Jai Hind, ”Harbhajan tweeted.
Harbhajan said he was indebted to the CSK leadership for understanding its priorities. “When I told CSK management about my decision, they were very supportive and I can’t thank them enough for that,” said the fan.
Harbhajan, who is the third tallest wicket bearer in IPL history with 150 scalps, was cornered by CSK ahead of IPL 2018 for his base price of INR 2 crore. CSK now has three front-line players: leg thrower Imran Tahir, left goalkeeper Mitchell Santner and seasoned leg-break bowler Piyush Chawla, who was bought for a large sum.
.
