Harbhajan Singh Breaks Silence on NCA Expulsion in 2000: 'Meri Galti Nahi Thi'

NEW DELHI: Legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, a cricketing icon with over 700 international wickets, has finally lifted the lid on a two-decade-old incident that saw him expelled from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru in the year 2000. In a recent tell-all, Singh vehemently stated, "Woh meri galti nahi thi" (It was not my mistake), attributing his removal to a protest against the substandard food served to trainees, which starkly contrasted with the prescribed diet chart. 'Zombie Drug' Video: Harbhajan Singh Reacts to Viral Clip, Calls Punjab’s Situation ‘Very Sad’.

The revelation, reported across multiple platforms on August 9th and 11th, 2026, sheds new light on a disciplinary action that could have potentially derailed the career of one of India's most successful off-spinners. Harbhajan, who was part of the inaugural batch of trainees at the NCA, recounted how repeated complaints regarding the food quality went unheeded, culminating in a moment of frustration where he tore up the official diet plan.

The Incident at NCA

According to Harbhajan Singh, the National Cricket Academy in 2000 had a stringent diet plan displayed for its trainees. However, the food being served consistently failed to meet these standards. "Wahan jo rules aur regulations the, woh yahi the ki humein bahut kuch padhaya ja raha tha, sikhaya ja raha tha. Ek chart lagaya tha, jismein tha ki ye diet honi chahiye, expert ki diet ke hisaab se humein woh diet milni chahiye. Lekin woh khaana mil nahi raha tha," Harbhajan explained, detailing the discrepancy between policy and practice.

He further elaborated that despite numerous complaints, the situation did not improve. His eventual act of tearing the diet chart was a culmination of this prolonged frustration. "So one day I tore that chart. This was my only mistake, that I tore the chart," he openly admitted. BCCI Centre of Excellence: How Jay Shah's Vision Is Changing Indian Cricket.

Fighting for Rights

Harbhajan believes his drastic action was necessary to bring about change, suggesting that such issues might not be addressed otherwise. He expressed his conviction that he was "fighting for the rights" of the trainees. "If I had not stood up, even today the same diet plan would have been followed. The plan changed, I was also removed, that is a different thing, but it was not my fault. There were some people in the BCCI who did not want someone who could stand up and question them," he asserted, hinting at deeper systemic issues.

This incident, though seemingly minor, highlights the early challenges faced by a player who would go on to achieve immense success for India. Harbhajan Singh's illustrious career, spanning from 1998 to 2016, saw him become a formidable force, especially in Test cricket.

Harbhajan Singh: Career at a Glance

His career is adorned with remarkable achievements, including being a pivotal member of India's 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup winning squads.

This candid admission from Harbhajan Singh offers a rare glimpse into the early struggles and the strong character that defined his journey, showcasing his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right, even at personal cost. His expulsion, while a disciplinary measure, ultimately proved to be a minor blip in a glittering international career.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 11:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).