The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has raised a significant issue ahead of the remaining IPL 2025 matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In a strongly-worded letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), CAB has requested that commentators Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle be barred from participating in the commentary duties for any upcoming IPL matches at the venue. This request comes after controversial comments made by the duo regarding the pitch preparations at Eden Gardens, which has become a bone of contention.
Background of the Dispute
The row began when KKR’s management, particularly after their loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2025 season opener, expressed their displeasure with the pitch prepared for the match. KKR’s lead spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy, struggled against RCB, conceding 43 runs in just four overs. The team wanted a pitch more suited to their bowling attack, particularly in their home ground. However, Eden’s chief curator, Sujan Mukherjee, refused to provide a spin-friendly surface, which led to further criticism from commentators.
Harsha Bhogle, during a Cricbuzz show, expressed frustration, saying that home teams should have the right to prepare pitches that benefit their strengths. “We’re not asking for a 120 pitch, we’re asking for something where our bowlers can win matches,” Bhogle commented. Meanwhile, Simon Doull supported Bhogle’s view, suggesting that if the curator continued to ignore KKR’s needs, the franchise might as well consider relocating.
CAB’s Response and Request
In response to these comments, CAB, which oversees the management of Eden Gardens, sent an official letter to the BCCI. The CAB expressed their dissatisfaction with Bhogle and Doull’s remarks, emphasizing that the franchise’s dissatisfaction should not dictate the preparation of pitches. The CAB has firmly backed Sujan Mukherjee and his team, stressing that the chief curator follows the BCCI’s guidelines and is responsible for pitch preparations, independent of franchise requests.
BCCI Guidelines on Pitch Preparation
According to the BCCI’s official guidelines, the preparation of the pitch and grounds for IPL matches is solely the responsibility of the venue curator, under the guidance of the BCCI-appointed chief curator. The guidelines specifically state that franchises, players, and commentators do not have a say in the type of pitch prepared. Despite this, the comments made by Bhogle and Doull stirred controversy, especially in light of KKR’s poor performance at home.
Sujan’s Response to Criticism
Sujan Mukherjee, Eden Gardens’ chief curator, also responded to the criticism, expressing his indifference to the opinions of Bhogle and Doull. “What matters to me is the feedback from the spectators and my association, not external comments. I am accountable to the BCCI for delivering a good sporting wicket,” he stated. Sujan’s strong stance reflects his commitment to adhering to the BCCI’s guidelines and delivering pitches that cater to the game’s demands.
The Impact on IPL 2025
This controversy has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by IPL teams, particularly when it comes to preparing pitches that suit their strengths. As the IPL season progresses, the CAB’s letter and the response from the BCCI will be closely watched to see how it affects future matches at Eden Gardens.
As the IPL 2025 continues, the pressure is building on teams, commentators, and curators alike to ensure that matches are played in a fair and competitive environment. With this development surrounding the Eden Gardens pitch, it remains to be seen how it will impact the upcoming games and the IPL’s future direction.
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