After controversies, BCCI ‘removes’ Sanjay Manjrekar from commentary panel

Mumbai: Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has been removed from BCCI’s TV commentary panel, according to a media report on Saturday (March 14).

The first ODI between India and South Africa was washed out in Dharamsala without a ball being bowled. Manjrekar did not travel with the host broadcaster’s commentary team as he was not included for the series.

Also read: Sanjay Manjrekar breaks silence over on-air spat

On Friday (March 13), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) called off the remaining two matches of the series due to coronavirus threat. It had also, earlier in the day, postponed IPL 2020.

In a media advisory, BCCI said it had deferred the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League till April 15.

According to Mumbai Mirror newspaper, Manjrekar may not be part of the IPL commentary team too. It quoted a BCCI source as saying, “Maybe he will be left out from the IPL panel too. At this stage it is not on top of our mind. But the fact is they are not happy with his work.”

Last year, Manjrekar was in the midst of controversies during his TV commentary stint. He had criticised India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as “bits and pieces” cricketer during the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.

Also, during the historic day-night Test between India and Bangladesh at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, he had on air spat with co-commentator Harsha Bhogle.

Later, Manjrekar had apologised to Bhogle. Also, he had admitted how Jadeja had ripped him apart on all fronts. This came after the left-hander’s brilliant show in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

“This is the Jadeja we haven’t seen before. He was brilliant today,” Manjrekar had said in a video. “I have to apologise to him, he was looking for me but I wasn’t there. I was in the lounge taking my lunch, I’m sorry,” the Mumbaikar added.

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