BCCI To Ask ECB to Not Hire Commentators Such as Nasser Hussain over ‘Donkey’ Remark

Nasser Hussain 

Nasser Hussain finds himself in hot water after his donkey jibe against Indian cricketers

 

The BCCI is not only engaging its own set of cricket commentators, but is also in the mood to lay down certain rules for the England and Wales Cricket Board as well after Nasser Hussain’s comments. If the BCCI has its way, Nasser Hussain may not comment on Indian cricket matches in the future even perhaps given the tone of the BCCI. Commentators have certainly been in focus this English summer.

The controversy spilled over after the former England cricket captain referred to Indian cricketers as ‘donkeys’ after Parthiv Patel dropped a semi-difficult catch off Munaf Patel that let Kevin Pietersen off the hook in the one off Twenty20 match between India and England. That the cricket commentator made that particular reference has aroused strong sentiments back home and the reactions thereafter have been largely antagonistic even as some of the Indian commentators have tried to tone it down and put a perspective on it.

Hussain has continued in his role as a commentator in it not being the first instance that a former England captain turned commentator having used the word in a derogatory manner. Michael Atherton’s donkey jibe on Alastair Cook was answered on a one on one basis. However, the fact that Hussain’s comment was not directed at any one specifically mentioned but rather in general to a few fielders who Hussain felt were not up to the mark has concluded in a generalization that the Indian cricket board had also raised strong objection to.

However, it now appears that the BCCI will take the matter up further in that they are proposing to discuss the matter with the ECB over hiring commentators who lack the etiquette in the commentary box when it comes to dignified discussions for the benefit of the large cricket audience.

This is what Rajiv Shukla had to say of the BCCI’s talk with the ECB:

The BCCI is taking up the matter with the English Cricket Board, which engage such commentators.
We are trying to take up the matter with them.
Such comments are totally inappropriate and uncalled for. They should be severely condemned.
Commentators who make such comments, should abstain from saying such things. We are taking up the matter with the English Cricket Board

While the BCCI is taking up the matter on behalf of the Indian cricketers, it was not so long ago that BCCI, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and to an extent, even Harsha Bhogle, were brought under the scanner with the former having paid the three Indian cricket commentators for being on their payroll. The immediate deduction was that the former Indian cricketers were being made virtually Rs.4 crore to speak in the voice and tone of the BCCI. Nicknamed the BCCI stooges, the people in question have denied having to bow down to clause that they must speak in line with the BCCI.

With the idea of the BCCI dictating how the ECB should employ in the commentary box, perhaps there is another mini board room debate boiling.