The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has reportedly taken a strong stance against noted commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, requesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bar the duo from covering any further IPL 2025 matches at Eden Gardens. This move comes in the wake of sharp criticism from both commentators directed at the venue’s veteran pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee.
The controversy erupted after Bhogle and Doull questioned the nature of pitches being prepared at Eden Gardens. KKR had apparently requested spin-friendly tracks to suit bowlers like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. However, Mukherjee, staying true to BCCI’s guidelines, did not entertain the franchise’s request.
Simon Doull, visibly irked during a broadcast, went so far as to suggest that if Mukherjee remained rigid, KKR should consider moving out of Kolkata. CAB was far from pleased with these remarks. Sources within the association confirmed that Mukherjee had acted strictly in line with the BCCI rulebook, which clearly outlines that the host association and BCCI-appointed venue curator are solely responsible for pitch preparation—franchises or commentators have no say in the matter.
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The criticism was seen as a personal attack on a seasoned professional simply doing his job by the book. Responding to the controversy, Mukherjee told RevSportz, “I do not have to bother about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull said. What matters to me is what the spectators and my association say about the wicket.”
🚨📰| CAB has asked BCCI to not include Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull in the commentary panel of any IPL matches that will be played at Eden Gardens.
(Sangbad Pratidin) pic.twitter.com/XB72MNyTSy
— KnightRidersXtra (@KKR_Xtra) April 21, 2025
He further clarified his responsibilities under BCCI guidelines, stating, “Pitch and ground preparation for IPL matches falls under the chief curator of the host association, in consultation with the BCCI-appointed venue curator. Franchises and players have no role in this. The BCCI chief curator can advise or intervene only if needed.”
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As of now, the BCCI has not issued an official statement in response to CAB’s request. However, Bhogle and Doull were notably absent from the commentary panel during Monday’s KKR vs Gujarat Titans clash. With Eden Gardens set to host Qualifier 2 on May 23 and the IPL final on May 25, it remains uncertain whether the two will return to the mic at the iconic venue this season.
