Chandigarh, Feb 22: Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, who heads the women's T20 international team of India, joined the Punjab Police as DSP on Thursday. Despite being appointed to the post in July last year -- for her crucial knock in then ongoing Champions' Trophy tournament which took India to the finals -- she could not assume the charge due to the red-flag raised by the Western Railway.

The Railways, where Harmanpreet was last employed, opposed releasing her for the purpose of joining the Punjab Police, as she had signed a five-year bond in 2014. The 28-year-old was asked to pay the complete salary of all five years, in order to get relieved.

After months of wait, Harmanpreet took her plea to Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who petitioned on her behalf to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

In his letter to Goyal, Capt Amarinder said, "I would like to request you that the case of Ms Harmanpreet Kaur is different wherein the condition of bond should not apply as she is not leaving the government for a private job. Rather she is joining the state government from a Central Government Organisation for better career prospects."

The Punjab CM further added that if the government turns down her plea to assume the post of DSP, it would be akin to "punishing her rather than awarding her" for the performance in the premiere cricket tournament.

Acknowledging the steps taken by Capt Amarinder and Goyal towards addressing her plight, Harmanpreet today posted on Twitter, "Excited about joining @PunjabPolice as DSP. Thank you Chief Minister @capt_amarinder Ji for pursuing my bond waiver with @RailMinIndia. Your support & encouragement will always keep me motivated to deliver my best. And thank you also @PiyushGoyal Ji for your help in the matter."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 22, 2018 10:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).