Key Highlights:
Simon Doull, the prominent New Zealand cricket commentator, has been barred from covering IPL 2025 matches at Eden Gardens following a formal complaint by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The CAB objected to Doull’s recent on-air criticism of the pitch and its preparation, labeling his comments “damaging and misinformed.”
This decision, which also affects renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle, has stirred debate across cricketing circles.
Why Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle Were Dropped
The controversy stems from remarks made during a recent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) home game, where both Doull and Bhogle questioned the nature of the Eden Gardens pitch. They implied that the surface was not suited to KKR’s strengths and raised concerns about the neutrality of pitch conditions.
Specifically, Doull suggested that if the franchise could not influence the pitch to match their strategy, they might as well “play somewhere else.” Bhogle echoed sentiments that the curator appeared disconnected from team requirements.
The CAB, led by its president Snehasish Ganguly, reacted strongly, stating:
“The Eden Gardens pitch is prepared strictly under BCCI guidelines. No franchise is permitted to dictate how pitches are made. These comments were unfair to our curator, Sujan Mukherjee.”
CAB followed up with an official letter to the BCCI demanding action, leading to both commentators being excluded from the commentary panel for all future matches at Eden Gardens this IPL season.
IPL 2025 Matches Affected by the Ban
With this move, both Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle will be absent from the commentary box at one of IPL’s most iconic venues.
Remaining IPL 2025 matches at Eden Gardens:
- April 21: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans
- April 28: KKR vs Rajasthan Royals
- May 6: KKR vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- May 11: KKR vs Mumbai Indians
- May 22: Qualifier 2
- May 25: Final
Their absence is likely to be felt, especially with both matches in the IPL 2025 playoffs scheduled at the venue.
BCCI’s Role and Response
According to reports, the BCCI has sided with the CAB, emphasizing the need to maintain respectful and unbiased commentary, especially in a tournament of IPL’s stature. While no official press release has been issued by the board yet, sources confirm the directive has been enforced internally with immediate effect.
This move is being seen as an attempt to preserve the relationship between state associations and broadcasters, while also defending match officials and ground staff from public scrutiny.
Mixed Reactions from the Cricketing Community
The decision to ban Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle has sparked divided reactions:
Supporters of the move argue:
- Commentary should not publicly undermine curators following official protocol.
- Criticisms should be voiced privately through proper channels, not in live broadcasts.
Critics, however, raise concerns about censorship:
- Commentators should be allowed to offer honest analysis.
- Exclusion over constructive feedback sets a dangerous precedent for free speech in sports broadcasting.
So far, neither Doull nor Bhogle has issued a formal statement, though Bhogle has hinted at “disappointment” via a cryptic post on social media.
What This Means for Future Commentary and Broadcasting Norms
This incident could prompt a re-evaluation of the unwritten codes of conduct for IPL broadcasters. While media partners and commentators are hired for their analytical depth, this controversy shows the growing sensitivity around remarks that may affect the reputation of state associations or ground staff.
In the coming weeks, the BCCI is expected to revisit its communication framework with commentators to avoid similar conflicts. It also raises an important debate: Where does the line lie between fair analysis and institutional criticism?
As IPL 2025 moves into its high-stakes final weeks, this development may influence how broadcasters approach commentary across all venues—not just Eden Gardens.
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