Harbhajan Singh is expected to join a prominent IPL franchise's support staff

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will appear in a new role as a crucial part of the support staff for one of the high-profile clubs in next year's Indian Premier League.

Harbhajan Singh, 41, who played in a few games for Kolkata Knight Riders during the first phase of the last IPL, did not appear in any of the league's games in the UAE.

Harbhajan is anticipated to announce his retirement from competitive cricket sometime next week, following which he is expected to choose one of the offers he has received to join the support staff of at least a number of franchises.

''The role could be that of a consultant, mentor or part of the advisory group but the franchise with which he is talking are keen to use his vast experience. He will take active part in also helping the franchise decide on their auction picks,'' an IPL source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Harbhajan has always been interested in developing players, and that was also his role with the Mumbai Indians in later years, when he had a profitable decade.

In fact, while Harbhajan was with the KKR last season, he spent a lot of time teaching Varun Chakravarthy, who has been a key member of the franchise for the past two seasons.

Harbhajan Singh had assured Venkatesh Iyer after a few net sessions that he would be a major hit in the league even before he had played a single game in the previous IPL, according to reports.

In reality, KKR's chief coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Eoin Morgan heeded Harbhajan's recommendations in team selection during the previous season.

'Look, Harbhajan wanted to make a formal announcement of his retirement after the season is over. He has had extended talks with one of the franchises which has shown keen interest but he would like to talk about it only when the deal is formally inked,'' the source said.