Harsha Bhogle vs CAB: IPL 2025 has delivered drama both on and off the field, and the latest headline-grabber is a brewing controversy between veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The dispute centers around comments Bhogle and fellow commentator Simon Doull made about the Eden Gardens pitch preparation, triggering a sharp response from the CAB—one that reportedly escalated to an official letter to the BCCI.
But Bhogle has now broken his silence—and clarified his side of the story.
Table of Contents
Harsha Bhogle vs CAB: Harsha Bhogle Responds to CAB Amid Eden Gardens Curator Controversy
What Sparked the Controversy?
During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull voiced strong criticism against Eden Gardens’ pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee. Bhogle specifically pointed out how the curator’s unwillingness to align pitch conditions with team strategy could hamper Kolkata Knight Riders’ performance.
“If I am in the KKR team, then I’m extremely unhappy with what he has said… I’m just saying give me a surface that my bowlers will be able to win games on,” Bhogle had remarked.
This didn’t sit well with the CAB, which allegedly penned a letter to the BCCI requesting that Bhogle and Doull be barred from commentating on matches held in Kolkata
Bhogle Clarifies His Absence
Bhogle took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clear the air, debunking the rumors around his absence from the recent KKR vs GT match at Eden Gardens.
“There are some inappropriate conclusions being drawn… Quite simply, it wasn’t on the list of matches I was down to do! Asking me would have resolved the issue,” he wrote.
Bhogle explained that he had been scheduled to work only two games in Kolkata during the tournament. While he attended the first, a family health emergency prevented him from being present at the second.
Why It Matters
This incident brings to light the tension between broadcasters and local cricket boards, particularly when it comes to honest analysis vs home loyalty. It also raises questions about freedom of commentary, and whether voicing professional concerns can—or should—result in institutional backlash.
Bhogle, known for his articulate and respectful commentary style, defended his stance as a professional doing his job.
Looking Ahead
As the IPL 2025 season continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will act on the CAB’s request or let broadcasters continue without restrictions. Meanwhile, fans and fellow professionals have largely rallied behind Bhogle, praising his transparency and professionalism.
The Bhogle vs CAB episode is a reminder that even in cricket, conversations off the pitch can be just as intense as the action on it. With IPL being one of the most-watched leagues globally, all eyes will be on how the BCCI handles such disputes going forward.
FAQs
Why was Harsha Bhogle absent from the KKR vs GT match at Eden Gardens?
Harsha Bhogle clarified he wasn’t scheduled for that match and missed it due to a family health issue.
What did Harsha Bhogle say about the Kolkata pitch?
Bhogle criticized the Eden Gardens curator for not support
Read more : Cristiano Ronaldo’s Guinness World Records: How Many Guinness World Record Does CR7 Hold?
