Harpreet Singh Bhatia Parts Ways with Madhya Pradesh Team, Open to Playing for Another Country
Digital Desk
According to Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) sources, Bhatia has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is now eligible to represent another team, including the possibility of playing for a foreign nation. Sources indicated that he has received an offer from overseas and could feature in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, subject to eligibility and clearance.
Bhatia later confirmed his resignation, stating that he had officially communicated his decision to the MPCA. However, he refrained from disclosing details about his next destination, saying only that discussions were underway.
Despite strong and consistent performances in domestic cricket, Bhatia’s continued exclusion from the Indian national setup and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is believed to have played a key role in his decision. MPCA officials acknowledged that the batter had expressed disappointment over being overlooked despite delivering match-winning performances across formats.
The 32-year-old had an impressive run in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring an unbeaten 77 against Jharkhand, an unbeaten 80 against Goa and 48 against Chandigarh. Even so, his name did not feature in the IPL auction, adding to his frustration. Bhatia has previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings and Pune Warriors in the IPL.
Bhatia has been one of central India’s most dependable batters for over a decade. He captained Chhattisgarh for four years across all three formats after the state received BCCI recognition in 2016, before returning to Madhya Pradesh. In the current season, he also led the MP side in the absence of regular captain Rajat Patidar.
His credentials date back to his junior days. In 2009, Bhatia served as vice-captain of the Indian Under-19 team and impressed on the tour of Australia, scoring 262 runs at an average of 52.40. He later represented India in the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.
Across his career, Bhatia has amassed over 5,200 runs in first-class cricket, more than 3,200 runs in List A matches and nearly 2,800 runs in T20s, underlining his consistency.
MPCA officials said his exit was a personal decision and wished him well for the future, while his move is likely to spark debate on the challenges faced by experienced domestic performers in breaking into elite-level cricket.
