Cricket commentator Isa Guha has issued an apology after referring to Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a “primate” during Fox Sports coverage of the Australia vs India Test match in Brisbane.
The former England player addressed the controversy at the start of Monday’s coverage, expressing deep regret for her choice of words whilst discussing Bumrah’s performance.
Guha, who is of British Asian heritage with parents from Kolkata, faced significant backlash on social media following the incident during Sunday’s commentary of the third Test.
During Sunday’s commentary, Brett Lee had highlighted Bumrah’s impressive spell, noting: “Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper.”
Isa Guha is under fire for calling Jasprit Bumrah a ‘primate’
PA
Guha then responded: “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah.”
The exchange came as Bumrah took five wickets during day two of the weather-impacted third test, with Australia finishing at 405/7.
The Indian pace bowler had already claimed 12 wickets in the opening two Tests of the series.
Opening Fox Sports coverage on Monday, Guha said: “Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly I would like to apologise for any offence caused.”
She explained her intended meaning: “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 as well.”
JUST IN:Darts star heavily booed after disappointing Ally Pally crowd on opening night of World Championship
“I’m an advocate for equality and am someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game,” Guha continued.
“I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I have chosen the wrong word. For that, I am deeply sorry.”
The backlash from Indian supporters has been severe, with Guha’s Instagram account targeted by numerous critical comments.
READ MORE:Tyson Fury’s legs ‘completely shot to pieces’ as Oleksandr Usyk boxing rematch creeps closer
Jasprit Bumrah has been in searing form against Australia
PA
“Absolutely shocking, Isa Guha calls Jasprit Bumrah ‘primate’ on air. Can you believe it’s 2024 and we are still plagued with that third world / first world mentality,” posted Indian lawyer Dhruv Sharma on social media platform X.
The Times of India has drawn comparisons to the 2007-2008 ‘Monkeygate’ scandal, when Andrew Symonds alleged Harbhajan Singh called him a ‘monkey’ during a Test match.
However, some supporters have defended Guha, noting her British-Indian heritage and suggesting her comments were misunderstood.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Isa Guha has apologised for her comments
PA
Guha took 29 wickets across eight Tests during her 10-year career with England’s Women’s side before retiring in 2011.
She subsequently moved into broadcasting, joining ITV in 2012 to cover the Indian Premier League.
Her extensive broadcasting career has included work with multiple networks, including Fox Sports in Australia where the recent controversy occurred.
As a British Asian whose parents came from Kolkata, Guha has emphasised her commitment to inclusion in cricket, stating she sets herself “really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours