Picture Credit: X
Celebrated sports commentator, Harsha Bhogle has finally decided to break silence on the ongoing matter which revolves around him and Simon Doull being snubbed of commentating for KKR’s home matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After the reports of Bhogle and Doull’s snub surfaced, the decorated commentator himself took to X (formerly called Twitter) to clarify the story.
It is to be noted that there were reports stating that the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove commentators, Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) home matches after the duo were seen critising the Eden Gardens’ pitch curator.
While the things rifed after the two well-known commentators were absent from KKR’s home match against Gujarat Titans (GT), played on Monday, April 21 which saw the IPL 2022 winners come out victorous by 39 runs. But on Tuesday, April 22, Harsha Bhogle himself clarified while adding that “inappropriate conclusions” were being drawn from his absence.
It wasn't on the list of matches I was down to do: Harsha Bhogle clarifies
Taking to X, Bhogle wrote, “There are some inappropriate conclusions being drawn about why I wasn't at yesterday's game in Kolkata. Quite simply, it wasn't on the list of matches I was down to do! Asking me would have resolved the issue. Rosters are done before the tournament starts. I was rostered for two games in Kolkata. I was there for the first and an illness in the family prevented me from being at the 2nd.”
Earlier, a CAB official had told PTI, “Bhogle and Doull are no longer part of IPL commentary team for KKR’s home matches. However, the situation might change when Eden hosts Qualifier 2 and the Final on May 23 and 25.” However, with a clear picture from Harsha Bhogle now, these claims seem false.
It is likely to be seen now if either of the two features in the Kolkata match, next set to be played on Saturday, April 26 when the defending champions take on Punjab Kings in a reverse fixture at the Eden Gardens.
