Sivaramakrishnan quits BCCI commentary panel, alleges discrimination

New Delhi : Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has announced his retirement from the commentary panel of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, citing lack of opportunities and alleging discrimination within the system.

Taking to social media platform X, Sivaramakrishnan said he had decided to step away after a long stint in broadcasting, expressing disappointment over not being given key on-field roles such as pitch reports, toss interactions, and post-match presentation duties. His remarks have sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts.

“I have not been given opportunities during toss or post-match presentations for years. When newcomers are consistently preferred for such roles, one has to question the reasons behind it,” he wrote, hinting at what he described as discriminatory practices.

The former leg-spinner’s allegations have added a controversial dimension to his exit, with many fans discussing the issue widely on social media. While some have supported his claims, others have called for clarity from the board.

Reacting to the development, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed disappointment and questioned the timing of the decision. “Oh no! Why not this IPL?” Ashwin posted, indicating that Sivaramakrishnan’s absence would be felt during the upcoming season.

Sivaramakrishnan, who began his commentary career in 2000, has been a familiar voice in Indian cricket broadcasting for over two decades. Apart from his media career, he also served as a players’ representative on the ICC Cricket Committee, contributing to the sport beyond the field.

As a player, Sivaramakrishnan was one of India’s most promising leg-spinners in the 1980s. He played nine Test matches and 16 One Day Internationals for India. He is best remembered for his match-winning performance against England in 1984, where he picked up 12 wickets, showcasing his exceptional bowling talent.

He was also part of the Indian team that won the prestigious Benson & Hedges World Championship in Australia in 1985 under the captaincy of Sunil Gavaskar, a tournament that remains a landmark achievement in Indian cricket history.

With his exit, questions are now being raised about opportunities and transparency within the BCCI’s commentary structure, even as the board is yet to officially respond to the allegations.