📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Politics
Harbhajan Singh Calls Sher-e-Punjab League a Political Arena, Accuses Govt of Credit Grab
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jalandhar
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 10:17 AM
👁 33
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh criticised the Sher‑e‑Punjab Cricket League, alleging that the state government is using the tournament for political mileage and taking undue credit.
The Sher‑e‑Punjab Cricket League, launched earlier this year to promote regional talent, has become the centre of a political controversy in Punjab. While the tournament was marketed as a platform for budding cricketers, several political figures have been seen endorsing it as a showcase of the state government's development agenda.
Former India all‑rounder Harbhajan Singh, who attended a recent league match in Jalandhar, publicly questioned the motives behind the event. He asserted that the league is being transformed into a "political arena" and accused the ruling administration of appropriating credit for the tournament's success without acknowledging the contributions of players and organizers.
State officials, when approached for comment, defended the league as a genuine effort to boost sports infrastructure and youth participation. They denied any political exploitation, stating that the government's support is aimed at fostering a sporting culture rather than seeking electoral gains.
The remarks have sparked debate on social media, with some commentators echoing Singh's concerns while others view the league as a positive step for Punjab's cricketing ecosystem. No formal grievance has been filed yet, but the issue is likely to feature in upcoming political discussions in the state.
Former India all‑rounder Harbhajan Singh, who attended a recent league match in Jalandhar, publicly questioned the motives behind the event. He asserted that the league is being transformed into a "political arena" and accused the ruling administration of appropriating credit for the tournament's success without acknowledging the contributions of players and organizers.
State officials, when approached for comment, defended the league as a genuine effort to boost sports infrastructure and youth participation. They denied any political exploitation, stating that the government's support is aimed at fostering a sporting culture rather than seeking electoral gains.
The remarks have sparked debate on social media, with some commentators echoing Singh's concerns while others view the league as a positive step for Punjab's cricketing ecosystem. No formal grievance has been filed yet, but the issue is likely to feature in upcoming political discussions in the state.