Harbhajan Singh responds boldly to PCB ‘threat’, vows ‘If you don’t agree…’

Harbhajan Singh is confident that the newly appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah, will elevate the sport of cricket to new heights globally. Taking over from Greg Barclay, who stepped down as chairman on Saturday, Shah has become the youngest person to hold this prestigious position. Known as the Turbanator, Harbhajan Singh is optimistic that Shah will build on his successful tenure in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and bring the same level of excellence to the international stage.

“Jay Shah will elevate cricket to a higher level globally and continue the excellent work he did at the BCCI within the ICC as well. Additionally, he has the ability to involve smaller nations more in the sport,” Harbhajan Singh told IANS during the inaugural function of the World Tennis Cricket League in New Delhi on Monday.

The recent controversy with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Harbhajan Singh also asked Pakistan Cricket Board to accept the decision.

Pakistan is the original host of the ICC 2025 Champions Trophy but is likely to agree to a hybrid model after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC that the Indian government has denied permission for the team to travel to Pakistan.

Regarding the PCB’s threat that Pakistan may not travel to India for future ICC events, Harbhajan stated that it is ultimately Pakistan’s decision. “If Pakistan chooses not to travel to India in the future, that’s their choice. Tournaments will still take place without their participation,” Harbhajan Singh told IANS.

Harbhajan commended the Indian team for their outstanding victory over Australia in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth.

Under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India dominated all aspects of the game, delivering an emphatic defeat to Australia.

With regular skipper Rohit Sharma returning to the squad after the birth of his second child, India continued their strong performance in Australia, defeating the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in a rescheduled 50-over match after the first day of the two-day pink-ball match was washed out by rain.

However, concerns were raised about Rohit Sharma’s batting form, as he managed only three runs against the Prime Minister’s XI.

Despite this, Harbhajan downplayed any concerns regarding Rohit’s form, which had also been under scrutiny following India’s 0-3 loss to New Zealand in their home series.

“Rohit Sharma’s form is not a concern. However, I would pick Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI and rest Shubman Gill for the second Test,” Harbhajan stated, sharing his preferences for the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting December 8. Gill had missed the first Test due to an injury and has only recently recovered.