Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has quashed rumors of a ban from commentating at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens during the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), dismissing claims as "inappropriate conclusions."
The speculation arose after reports of a letter from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emerged, requesting the removal of Bhogle and former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull from the commentary panel for Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) home games.
The reason being Bhogle and Doull’s criticism of the Eden Gardens pitch not favoring KKR. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane has repeatedly voiced frustration over the pitch, which they believe fails to favor their spin-heavy bowling attack, including Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Moeen Ali.
Bhogle and Doull, during a Cricbuzz discussion, criticized curator Sujan Mukherjee for not tailoring the pitch to KKR’s strengths, with Doull controversially suggesting the franchise should consider relocating if the situation persists. Bhogle echoed similar sentiments.
The CAB, staunchly defending Mukherjee, argued that he adhered to BCCI guidelines. Reportedly, a strongly worded letter from CAB secretary Naresh Ojha, sent approximately 10 days ago, urged the BCCI to bar Bhogle and Doull from the commentary duties at the Eden Gardens for the remainder of the season.
Also read: IPL 2025: CAB red flags Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull for comments on Eden Gardens pitch
Rumors intensified after KKR’s home match versus Gujarat Titans (GT) with neither commentator featuring. However, Bhogle took to X to clarify his absence. He shared that he was not scheduled to be at the Eden Gardens on Monday. He urged fans to verify facts before speculating.
"There are some inappropriate conclusions being drawn about why I wasn't at yesterday's game in Kolkata. Quite simply, it wasn't on the list of matches I was down to do! Asking me would have resolved the issue. Rosters are done before the tournament starts. I was rostered for two games in Kolkata. I was there for the first and an illness in the family prevented me from being at the 2nd," Bhogle wrote on X.
KKR Lose at Eden Gardens Yet Again
KKR lost to GT in the 39th match of the IPL 2025 by 39 runs. None of the KKR spinners took a wicket as GT scored 198 runs, courtesy of Shubman Gill’s 90-run knock.
Despite Rahane’s fifty, Kolkata failed to get even close to the target, managing only 159 runs in 20 overs. This was KKR’s third defeat of the season at the Eden Gardens. They have won only one home game so far in IPL 2025.
KKR’s next match is scheduled against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26 at the Eden Gardens.
For Latest IPL 2025 Updates
