On the request of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the rhetoric has now intensified at both political and cricket levels. Bangladesh has formally demanded the International Cricket Council (ICC) to hold its matches outside India. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has given his reaction on this entire matter.

Harbhajan Singh’s statement

Harbhajan Singh said that because of the incidents that have happened in Bangladesh in the last few days, the team there wants to avoid coming to India. He clearly said that whatever happened in Bangladesh is wrong. According to Harbhajan, now ICC has to take the decision in this matter. He also said that India always welcomes all teams, but whether a team wants to come to India or not is entirely its own decision.

Controversy started due to removal of Mustafizur Rahman

This entire incident has come to light at a time when a big decision has been taken regarding IPL 2026. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has dropped Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its team. This step was taken after the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in which strong concern was expressed about the atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh. Not only this, the Bangladesh government has also banned the telecast of IPL.

Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR in the mini auction of IPL 2026 for a huge amount of Rs 9.20 crore. He was considered an important foreign player for the team, but after the current situation and the instructions of BCCI, the franchise decided to remove him from the squad.

Confusion looms over T20 World Cup

India and Sri Lanka are going to jointly host the T20 World Cup 2026. India’s matches against Bangladesh were to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai, but now BCB, expressing concern about the safety of its players, has demanded to move these matches out of India. According to reports, Sri Lanka is being considered as an alternative venue.

The controversy regarding Mustafizur Rahman is deepening. Bangladesh is deeply upset, which has refused to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has reacted to this controversy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has to decide whether Bangladesh’s matches will be held in India or shifted outside, but former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has given a sharp statement taking a dig at Bangladesh.

According to news agency ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, “Due to the incidents that happened recently, the Bangladesh team does not want to come to India. Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is wrong. The ICC should take a decision on their demand. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they want to come here or not, it will be their decision.”

The strings of this entire controversy are related to cricket. Actually, in the IPL 2026 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders had bought Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore. Meanwhile, incidents of atrocities on minorities have increased in Bangladesh. For this reason, KKR was heavily criticized for buying Mustafizur Rahman in the auction and words like ‘anti national’ were also said for it.

Ultimately BCCI issued instructions that KKR should release Rahman. Kolkata Knight Riders franchise did the same. After that, on the orders of Bangladesh Government, BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) has refused to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has also reacted on the release of Mustafizur Rahman. He says that if needed, replacement will be provided to KKR. He also said that due to recent events, the decision to release Rahman has been taken.

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‘We welcome everyone in India…, whatever is happening in Bangladesh is wrong…’, Harbhajan Singh gave a big statement on the controversy; Know what was said

In the second Test of the Ashes series against England, which started on Thursday in Brisbane, Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc achieved the feat of becoming the bowler taking the most wickets in Test cricket as a left-arm fast bowler. With this, Starc also left Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh behind.

Starc took 6 wickets on the first day of the Brisbane Test. As soon as he took his third wicket, Starc broke Wasim Akram’s record of taking most wickets as a left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket. At the same time, after taking the sixth wicket, he left behind India’s off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Wasim Akram took 414 wickets in 104 Tests, while Harbhajan Singh took 417 wickets in 103 Tests. Starc is playing his 102nd Test and has taken 418 wickets.

Starc has reached 15th place in the list of bowlers taking most wickets in Test cricket. The next record on Starc’s target is that of Shaun Pollock. Pollock has taken 421 wickets in Tests.

The record of taking most wickets in Test cricket is in the name of Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan. Muralitharan has taken 800 wickets in 133 tests. In second place is Shane Warne who has 708 wickets in his name in 145 Tests. England’s right-arm fast bowler James Anderson is at number three. Anderson has taken 704 wickets in 188 tests. India’s Anil Kumble is in fourth place with 619 wickets in 132 Tests. England’s right-arm fast bowler Stuart Broad is at fifth position with 604 wickets in 167 Tests.

Former Player Harbhajan Singh Statement On Rohit-Kohli Future: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh finds it unfortunate that the future of legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are being decided by people who have not achieved anything special in their careers, but he expressed hope that the pair will continue playing till the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027. Rohit is currently 38 years old and Virat Kohli is 37 years old and both of them now play only in ODI format. There is speculation about whether he will continue playing till the ODI World Cup or not. Indian team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar have not made any commitment on whether both of them will continue playing till the ODI World Cup or not.

Harbhajan Singh gave statement on Rohit-Kohli

Harbhajan said, “This is beyond my understanding.” I will not be able to answer this because I have been a player myself and what I am seeing has happened to me too. This has happened with many of my colleagues, but it is very unfortunate. We don’t talk about it or discuss it.

The bowler, who took 417 wickets in Test cricket for India, said in reference to the treatment being meted out to Kohli and Rohit, “When I see a player like Virat Kohli who is still performing brilliantly, I feel very happy. It is a bit unfortunate that his future is being decided by people who have not achieved anything special in his career.

Harbhajan said Rohit-Kohli will set an example for the young generation

There is still more than a year left for the ODI World Cup but Harbhajan supported Rohit and Kohli and said that they will be in great form during this World Cup and will set the standard for the next generation. Kohli has scored two consecutive centuries at home in the current series against South Africa, while Rohit has scored two half-centuries and one century in the last four innings. Harbhajan said, “He has always scored runs and has contributed well for India since the beginning.” He has performed very well as a batsman and has also been the captain of the team. I really feel good that they are performing well.” He said, “They are setting an example for the younger generation and showing what it takes to become a champion. So congratulations to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for setting the right example.

There is good news for the fans of India. Many big names of the cricket world are going to be seen on the field once again. Star players like Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Dale Steyn and Shane Watson will be seen shining in the Legends Pro T20 League to be held in Goa next year. The first edition of this league will be played from 26 January 2026 to 4 February 2026, in which 90 veterans from a total of 6 franchises will participate.

Goa will become ‘Maha Kumbh of Cricket’

The entire tournament will be held in the new 1919 Sports Cricket Stadium built in Verna, Goa. For the first time, a major international level T20 league is going to be organized in this modern stadium.

Michael Clarke becomes commissioner

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has been made the commissioner of the league. Regarding his new responsibility, he said that India has always been very close to his heart. Clarke said, “India is the biggest cricket hub in the world. The crowds here, the passion here and the opportunity to play with old friends again… all this together makes this league special. I am very excited to be a part of it.”

With the arrival of Clarke, it has also become clear that the league will not be just an exhibition show, but high-quality cricket will be seen in it.

Who will show off their talent?

90 players have been selected for 6 teams in the league, the biggest attractions of which are,

Shikhar Dhawan – Famous for his flowing cover drives

Harbhajan Singh – Turbanator’s bowling is on fire again

Shane Watson – power of allrounder

Dale Steyn – One of the most dangerous fast bowlers in the world

This occasion will be very special for the fans because all these greats had retired from international cricket, but their popularity on the field is still intact.

Team names and tickets will be announced soon

Organizers said that information related to the names of franchise teams, squads and ticket booking will be released soon. It is expected that a large number of spectators will gather in Goa and this tournament will write a new chapter for Legends Cricket.

From Asia Cup to Women’s World Cup, the Indian team had adopted a policy of not shaking hands with Pakistani players. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not yet given the Asia Cup trophy to Team India. Obviously the feeling of anger among the Indian fans will be at its peak. Meanwhile, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh was seen shaking hands with Pakistani player Shahnawaz Dahani.

This is the case of the ongoing T10 League in Abu Dhabi, where on Wednesday, Harbhajan Singh’s team Aspin Stallions suffered a close 4-run defeat at the hands of Northern Warriors. In April this year, 26 innocent people lost their lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which also affected the game of cricket. Team India did not join hands with Pakistani players even in the Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup.

Therefore, when Harbhajan Singh laughingly shook hands with Pakistani fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani, a big controversy arose. Controversy has also arisen over Harbhajan because he himself has said that India should not play any bilateral series with Pakistan. At the same time, the Indian team did not play the match with Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends. Harbhajan Singh was also one of the cricketers who talked about not playing with Pakistan.

Harbhajan Singh shared a warm handshake with Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 match
Dahani responded with a smile — makes you wonder why we don’t see the same energy in international fixtures. Interesting contrast. pic.twitter.com/TAQwC47DVQ

— Abbey (@CrickTrack360) November 19, 2025

Shahnawaz Dahani gave a match-winning performance, taking 2 wickets for 10 runs. Dahani reached Harbhajan, shook hands with him and there was some conversation between the two. Looking at the viral pictures, it appeared as if Harbhajan Singh was the first to extend his hand for the handshake.

In July – Harbhajan Singh withdrew from the match against Pakistan in the WCL.

In November – Harbhajan Singh was seen shaking hands with Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
pic.twitter.com/iOagN019sI

— RCB Nation (@RCBtweetzz) November 20, 2025

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A scene was seen in the Abu Dhabi T10 League which caught everyone’s attention. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and Pakistan’s fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani were seen shaking hands with each other after the match. This incident has happened at a time when in recent tournaments, players of India and Pakistan have been known to maintain distance from each other.

Bhajji and Dahani faced each other for the first time in the match

Northern Warriors and Aspin Stallions were face to face in the match played on 19 November. Harbhajan Singh entered this match as the captain of Aspin Stallions. Shahnawaz Dahani was playing for Northern Warriors. Batting first, Northern Warriors scored a strong score of 114/1 in 10 overs. Harbhajan spent only 8 runs in his 1 over. The lone wicket for Stallions was in the name of Timal Mills.

Harbhajan Singh handshake with Shahnawaz Dahani. Now where is the patriotism of Indians? #AbuDhabiT10 @iihtishamm pic.twitter.com/4ZFfgP2ld3

— Ather (@Atherr_official) November 19, 2025

Thrilling run chase and Harbhajan’s run out on the last ball.

Chasing the target of 115 runs, Aspin Stallions had a bad start and the entire team was reduced to just 110/7 in 10 overs. Harbhajan Singh was run out while trying to score runs on the last ball, due to which his team had to face defeat by 4 runs.

The star bowler of this match was Shahnawaz Dahani, who spent only 10 runs in 2 overs and took 2 wickets to lead his team to victory.

Both players shook hands after the match

After the end of the match, Harbhajan Singh along with his captaincy team came to shake hands with the rival players. At the same time, Shahnawaz Dahani also came forward and both of them shook hands warmly. This scene was special because in recent times, Indian players have maintained distance from Pakistani players in tournaments like Asia Cup and Rising Star Asia Cup. Even after winning the T20 Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav had refused to shake hands with ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The tension between the players of both the countries was clearly visible.

Questions raised on Harbhajan’s old statement

The interesting thing is that Harbhajan Singh had earlier given statements against cricket relations with Pakistan several times. He had said that until relations become normal, both sports and business should be stopped.

But this incident of Abu Dhabi T10 surprised the fans, because Bhajji himself was seen shaking hands with the same Pakistani player, towards whom his attitude was different earlier.

A lot of questions are being raised regarding the pitch of Kolkata Test, where the batsmen of India and South Africa were struggling to score runs. This can be gauged from the fact that in all four innings, only Temba Bavuma was able to score a half-century. Harbhajan Singh got so enraged that he even wrote ‘RIP Test Cricket’.

Not only Harbhajan Singh, but many veterans have raised questions on this pitch. Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan also called it a useless pitch. Aaron Finch also reacted to this. Talking about Harbhajan Singh, he posted on X and wrote, “India vs South Africa Test cricket was almost over on the second day itself. What a joke.” Bhajji wrote along with it a hashtag #RIPTESTCRICKET.

Test cricket India vs South Africa the game almost over on 2nd day isn’t finished yet. What a mockery of test cricket #RIPTESTCRICKET

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 15, 2025

Test cricket has been destroyed – Bhajji

Harbhajan Singh, who has been candid about everything, while sharing a video on this, wrote, “Yesterday I had talked about destroying Test cricket in the Kolkata Test. This practice has been going on for many years, this is the wrong way to play. We are not moving forward, just roaming around like the bulls in the same crusher. We are winning but there is no benefit.”

Bhajji further said, “What is the use if the batsmen are getting out not because of the ability of the bowler but because of the pitch. It is bad to see, the way cricket is going on, the match is ending in two and a half days, it is very surprising for me. We lost to New Zealand, then lost this series. We went to England, played such good cricket but then came home and lost.”

Awful pitch in Kolkata… #INDvSA

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 15, 2025

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan had posted a post on the second day of the Kolkata Test, calling the pitch useless. He had written, “The pitch in Kolkata is useless.”

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch wrote, “What are your thoughts on the kind of wicket we are seeing in Kolkata? I like to see the batsmen standing completely surrounded by the fielders, the ball spinning so much, it is a lot of fun to see it.”

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh is furious with anger. His photo with his son is going viral on social media. When Bhajji himself saw this, he could not stop himself from reacting. He wrote, whose son is this? Is it AI’s son?

This picture going viral has been prepared with AI, in which Harbhajan Singh is celebrating his son’s fourth birthday. It was written in the caption that Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra are celebrating the fourth birthday of their son Jovan Veer Singh. Cake has also been included in the photo. While sharing its picture on X, Harbhajan Singh wrote in the caption, “Whose son is this, of AI?”

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh married actress Geeta Basra in 2015. One year, a daughter arrived in their house, whom they named Hinaya Heer Plaha. Their son Jovan was born on 10 July 2021.

Whose son is this AI? pic.twitter.com/99yds1jZ3z

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 28, 2025

Geeta had recently told everyone about a difficult phase of her life. She told how she had two miscarriages after the birth of her first child. Despite taking great care of his health, those two incidents had surprised him.

Talking about Harbhajan Singh, he said goodbye to his cricket career in the year 2021. He is now seen doing Hindi commentary during IPL matches. After retiring from cricket, he entered politics by joining Aam Aadmi Party. He is also a Rajya Sabha member at present.

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