Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @jaspritb1
A broadcaster has issued an apology after referring to India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a “primate” during the third Test between Australia and India.
Former England bowler Isa Guha, part of Fox Sports’ cricket commentary team, made the comment during the second day’s play, sparking immediate backlash on social media.
“Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,” Guha said on Sunday while praising Bumrah, who had taken five wickets to lead India’s bowling attack.
At the start of Monday’s broadcast, Guha addressed the controversy, apologizing for using the term, which is widely recognized as carrying negative racial connotations.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” Guha said, while sat beside former India player and coach Ravi Shastri and host Adam Gilchrist. “I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.
Guha explained that her intent was to highlight Bumrah’s remarkable performance, not to offend. “If you listen to the full transcript I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly,” she added.
As a commentator of Indian heritage and an advocate for equality, Guha emphasized her commitment to inclusion and understanding in cricket.
“I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game, ” she added. “I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I’ve chosen the wrong word. For that I am deeply sorry.”
Shastri responded to her apology, stating that the issue was not discussed within the Indian team and should be considered resolved.
“Brave woman to do it on live television and apologize, it takes some steel,” Shastri said. “As far as I am concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes, we are all human.
“As far as the Indian team, there is a test match going on. They would like to focus on the game that is taking place.”
The incident drew comparisons to the 2008 “monkeygate” controversy, where Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds accused India’s Harbhajan Singh of calling him a “monkey” during a Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Harbhajan was initially suspended for three matches, but the ban was later overturned following protests by the Indian team.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
