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Ahead of the third day’s play at The Gabba, Isa Guha said sorry for her remarks on Fox Cricket’s coverage.
Isa Guha apologises for her remarks on Bumrah
Cricketer-turned-commentator Isa Guha has apologised on air for her remarks on India pacer Jasprit Bumrah. While calling the game on the second day of the ongoing third Test in Brisbane, Guha was speaking highly of Bumrah but made a controversial remark, leaving the fans anguished. She termed Bumrah the ‘MVP – Most Valuable Primate’.
Speaking further, she said, “He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India and why so much focus was on him in the build-up to this Test match and whether he would be fit. He needs some support though.”
However, her comments didn’t go down well among the Indian fans who slammed the Fox Cricket commentator. Several users compared the incident with the ‘Monkey-gate’ scandal between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds during the Sydney Test in 2008.
Isa Guha Issues Apology
The outrage on social media probably prompted Guha to issue a public apology. Ahead of the third day’s play, she said sorry for her remarks on Fox Cricket’s coverage.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others,” she said.
“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. I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game,” she added.
While saying sorry on the broadcast, Guha added that she never meant to hurt someone’s feelings.
“I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I’ve chosen the wrong word. And for that, I am deeply sorry. As someone who is also of South Asian heritage I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far – and I look forward to seeing how it progresses,” said Guha.
Shastri Lauds Guha’s Admission
Guha’s apology on national TV drew appreciation from co-commentator and former India head coach Ravi Shastri.
“Brave woman, to apologise on live television takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth so as far as I am concerned, game’s over. People are entitled to make mistakes, we are all human. In the heat of the moment, sometimes when you have the mic in your hand, things can happen. Let’s move on,” said Shastri.
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Briusbane, Australia
