Harsha Bhogle, the renowned cricket commentator, has clarified the reasons behind his absence during the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens. Bhogle addressed the issue after reports surfaced claiming that the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had demanded a ban on him and fellow commentator Simon Doull, following their critical remarks about the pitch at Eden Gardens.
Bhogle Responds to Misunderstanding
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Bhogle stated that there was no mystery regarding his absence. He explained that he was not scheduled to commentate for the match, as the roster for IPL commentary assignments is decided well before the tournament begins. Bhogle revealed that he had already covered the first match in Kolkata and, due to a family illness, was unable to attend the second match.
“Quite simply, it wasn’t on the list of matches I was down to do! Rosters are done before the tournament starts,” Bhogle clarified. “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.”
The Controversy Surrounding the CAB’s Request
The controversy began when Bhogle and Doull’s critical comments on the pitch at Eden Gardens led to a letter from the CAB to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The CAB reportedly sought to ban Bhogle and Doull from covering KKR’s home games, citing dissatisfaction with their remarks regarding the quality of the pitch.
Doull, in particular, had strongly criticized the Eden Gardens curator for not preparing a pitch suitable for KKR’s playing style. He suggested that if the curator continued to ignore the team’s preferences, KKR should consider relocating their home games to another venue.
“If he’s not taking heed of what the home team wants… they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what’s going on in the IPL. If he’s still not listening, then just move the franchise away,” Doull had stated during his commentary on Cricbuzz.
Bhogle and Doull’s Ongoing Relationship with BCCI and CAB
Despite the drama surrounding the pitch criticism, Bhogle and Doull’s absence from the commentary team for KKR’s match against GT was simply a matter of scheduling. However, the CAB’s actions raised questions about the influence of local associations in the commentary assignments for IPL matches. While Bhogle has cleared the air, the situation remains sensitive as the season progresses.
As of now, it is unclear if Bhogle and Doull will be included in future KKR home games, with the next big matches at Eden Gardens being the Qualifier 2 and the IPL 2025 Final, which are scheduled for May 23 and May 25.
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