IPL 2025: CAB Demands Removal of Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from KKR Home Match Commentary
In a dramatic turn of events in the IPL 2025 season, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bar renowned commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from covering Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) home matches at the iconic Eden Gardens. This move comes after the duo openly criticized the stadium’s curator over pitch conditions, sparking a heated debate in cricketing circles.
The controversy flared up following KKR’s disappointing performances in their initial home games, where they lost two out of their first three encounters. Post-match discussions saw Simon Doull suggesting that KKR should consider relocating their franchise if the curator continues to prepare tracks unfit for their playing style, particularly those not favoring their spin attack. Harsha Bhogle, echoing similar sentiments, emphasized the importance of home advantage, arguing that teams should have pitches tailored to their strengths when playing at their home ground.
CAB secretary Naresh Ojha lodged a formal complaint with the BCCI approximately ten days ago, seeking the exclusion of Bhogle and Doull from the commentary panel for KKR’s home fixtures. Notably, neither commentator was part of the broadcast team during KKR’s recent clash against Gujarat Titans on Monday. While sources close to Bhogle clarified that he was not scheduled for any KKR home games initially, a CAB official confirmed to PTI, ‘Bhogle and Doull are currently not part of the IPL commentary team for KKR’s home matches. However, this could change when Eden Gardens hosts Qualifier 2 and the Final on May 23 and 25.’
The unrest within the KKR camp regarding pitch preparation isn’t new. Team management, including captain Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Chandrakant Pandit, expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of spin-friendly tracks, crucial for leveraging their strong spin arsenal comprising Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Suyash Sharma. After a high-scoring defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where LSG posted a mammoth 238/3 and KKR fell short at 234/7, Rahane vented his frustration at a press conference, stating, ‘There was no help for the spinners, let me make that clear,’ while cautiously avoiding further comments to prevent additional controversy.
During a post-match expert panel, Simon Doull didn’t hold back, sharply criticizing the curator, Sujan Mukherjee, saying, ‘If he is not listening to what the home team wants, despite the franchise paying stadium fees and contributing to the IPL ecosystem, then they should consider moving the franchise elsewhere. His role isn’t to impose opinions on the game; that’s not what he’s paid for.’
Harsha Bhogle supported this stance, adding, ‘If KKR is playing at home, they deserve tracks that suit their bowlers. I’ve noted the curator’s statements, and it’s surprising.’ This public critique seems to have been the tipping point for CAB, prompting their request to the BCCI. However, CAB has staunchly defended their curator, asserting that Mukherjee adhered to BCCI guidelines, which explicitly prohibit franchises from influencing pitch preparation to maintain fairness across the league.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, this controversy adds an extra layer of intrigue to KKR’s campaign at Eden Gardens, a venue renowned for its passionate crowd and historical significance. With the team boasting a formidable spin trio and a legacy of strategic gameplay under coach Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship in previous seasons, the pitch debate could significantly impact their performance and morale.
Attempts to reach CAB president Snehasish Ganguly and secretary Naresh Ojha for further comments were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the cricketing community awaits BCCI’s final decision on the commentary panel for the crucial playoff stages at Eden Gardens. Will this pitch controversy alter the narrative of KKR’s journey in IPL 2025, or will it be a mere footnote in an otherwise thrilling season? Only time will tell.