In a revealing twist of events amidst ongoing complaints regarding pitch conditions, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ban commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from commentating on matches at Eden Gardens. This came in the wake of remarks by both commentators suggesting that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would have to shift base if the home curator failed to deliver pitches to the franchise’s satisfaction.
The CAB, in a report covered by RevSportz, wrote a strongly worded letter to the BCCI, asking for an instant ban for Bhogle and Doull for this season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
During an argument on Cricbuzz, Doull suggested that if the curator does not listen to the needs of the KKR franchise, then they should shift the franchise to a new home ground. “If he’s not hearing what the home team wants… they are paying for what is occurring in the IPL. If he’s still not hearing, then just relocate the franchise somewhere else. His job is not to make a judgment on the game,” stated Doull.
Bhogle seconded the sentiments, pointing out that KKR should be pitched deserving of their bowlers, referencing the words of the KKR curator.
But the CAB rallied around curator Mukherjee, saying he has been sticking to BCCI protocols, which do not permit franchises to interfere with pitch preparation. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane had initially requested a spin-friendly wicket to favor the likes of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, but the pitch has been favoring pace, leading to high-scoring matches.
The CAB believes that the curator has appropriately followed the rules of pitch preparation laid down. While there has been no word officially from the BCCI as of now, reports indicate that neither Bhogle nor Doull will be commentating on the IPL match at Eden Gardens on Monday, with KKR taking on Gujarat Titans.
In the future, it is worth mentioning that the IPL 2025 final will also be held at Eden Gardens on May 25.
