Thursday 17 April 2025
Commentator Isa Guha Apologizes Over Her ‘Racial Remarks’ on Bumrah
Share
Respected commentator Isa Guha has landed in hot water for her ‘unintentionally-passed’ racial remarks on Jaspreet Bumrah. During her on-air commentary, Isa used an inappropriate term for Bumrah, which quickly drew criticism from netizens and Bumrah’s fans. In response to the backlash, Isa issued a public apology, expressing regret over her choice of words.
The former England cricketer and commentator Isa Guha referred to Jasprit Bumrah as a‘primate’(apes’ species). The remark came during her commentary on the third Test between India and Australia when Brett Lees praises Bumrahs spectacular bowling display on day two. Isa while highlighting Bumrahs dominance on the field said, “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah.”
The comment quickly sparked controversy, drawing backlash from fans and other commentators, with people questioning whether it carried racial connotations. Several users compared the comment to the ‘Monkey-gate’ scandal between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds that happened during the Sydney Test in 2008.
Following the reactions from the netizens, Guha before beginning the Day-3 at the Gabba apologized publicly. She said, “Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I’d like to apologize for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.”
Guha further added, “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.”
“I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and Ive chosen the wrong word. For that, I am deeply sorry. I hope people recognize there was no other intention or malice there,” Isa further said in her apology.
Ravi Shastri, former head coach of Team India positively reacted to Isa’s apology. Shastri called Isa ‘a brave woman’ who chose to apologize on live broadcast. Shastri said, “Brave woman, to apologize on live television takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth so as far as I am concerned, game’s over.
He also requested fans to forget the incident. Shastri added, “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.”
Read more related articles,
Newsletter
Stay up to date with all the latest News that affects you in politics, finance and more.
