Harbhajan Sindh pulls out of coronavirus-hit IPL

NEW DELHI: Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who plays for Chennai Super Kings, has pulled out of the coronavirus hit Indian Premier League citing personal reasons.

Harbhajan became the second Chennai Super Kings cricketer after former India batsman Suresh Raina to pull out of the 13th edition of the IPL due to personal reasons.  

The 40-year-old took to Twitter and said, “Dear Friends, I will not be playing IPL this year due to personal reasons. These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy as I spend time with my family.” 

Dear Friends
I will not be playing IPL this year due to personal reasons.These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy as I spend time with my family. @ChennaiIPL CSK management has been extremely supportive and I wish them a great IPL
Stay safe and Jai Hind

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 4, 2020

Harbhajan, who had not joined the other players in Dubai, said that the management of Chennai Super Kings had been ‘extremely supportive’ and he wished them a ‘great IPL’.

Former Test batsman Suresh Raina had returned home after travelling with the team to the UAE, also for personal reasons. He cited a deadly attack on his family by robbers after leaving.

The tournament was moved out of India because of the pandemic. However, two Chennai players and 11 officials and support staff tested positive for coronavirus, which delayed the start of Chennai’s training.

England’s Jason Roy of the Delhi Capitals will not go because of injury. Australian international Kane Richardson pulled out of Royal Challengers Bangalore to be at the birth of his first child.