Cricket fans were buzzing when Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle wasn’t part of the commentary team for the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans.
What Really Happened
Bhogle is speaking out about the controversy and addressing user confusion. He took to social media to set the record straight. According to him, he wasn’t scheduled to commentate for that particular match. “Quite simply, it wasn’t on the list of matches I was down to do!”
The commentary rosters are decided before the tournament starts. Bhogle was only scheduled for two matches in Kolkata, and he had already fulfilled that commitment for the first match. He missed the second match due to a family emergency.
Earlier Controversy
The controversy surrounding Bhogle’s absence is tied to a separate incident. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requesting that Bhogle and Simon Doull be removed from the commentary panel for Kolkata matches.
The reason for this request was comments made by both commentators suggesting that the Eden Gardens pitch wasn’t favoring the home team, Kolkata Knight Riders. The CAB’s request was sent roughly 10 days before Bhogle’s clarification on social media.
Some people made assumptions about Bhogle’s absence, but he clarified that his schedule was the real reason. His statement on social media was a direct response to the circulating speculation. By addressing the issue directly, he put an end to the rumors.