BRISBANE: Isha Guha, a broadcaster and a former English player apologised on air on Monday for racially insensitive remarks, she made about Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in commentary during the ongoing third Test against Australia.
“He’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate,” she said on Sunday while commentating for Fox during the second day’s play at the Gabba in Brisbane.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” Guha, who is of South Asian heritage, said on Fox Cricket.
“Firstly I’d like to apologise for any offence caused.
“I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.
“And if you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players and someone I admire greatly as well.”
It is not the first time that racially insensitive remarks have been passed against cricket players. In 2008, Harbhajan Singh, an accomplished Indian off-spinner was accused of calling late Australian cricketer, Andrew Symonds, a “monkey” during a Test match played in Sydney.
Bumrah has spearheaded India’s pace attack so far in the series, which is locked at 1-1.
Apologising again, Guha added: “I am trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I’ve chosen the wrong word, and for that, I am deeply sorry.”
Guha was part of England’s squad that won the Women’s World Cup and the World T20 in 2009.
