In a dramatic twist to IPL 2025, veteran commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull may be barred from covering games at Eden Gardens after the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) filed a formal complaint with the BCCI. The CAB has requested that the duo be removed from commentary duties for remaining IPL matches in Kolkata, including Qualifier 2 and the grand final.
The controversy erupted after both Bhogle and Doull openly criticized the Eden Gardens pitch and its curator, Sujan Mukherjee, claiming the surface failed to support home team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and lacked spin assistance. The CAB, in turn, strongly defended their curator and condemned the comments as unwarranted.
What Triggered the Outrage?
Bhogle, speaking on Cricbuzz, highlighted the importance of home advantage in IPL, saying:
“If I’m in the KKR camp, I’m extremely unhappy with what the curator said. We’re not asking for a 120 surface or a 240 pitch—just something that helps our bowlers. Home advantage is legitimate in a tournament like the IPL.”
Doull went a step further:
“If the curator isn’t listening to what the home team wants, then maybe move the franchise. His job is to produce what the team needs, not offer opinions.”
These remarks didn’t sit well with the CAB, who stood firmly behind Mukherjee.
Mukherjee fired back, telling RevSportz:
“I don’t have to bother about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull said. I am accountable to the BCCI and the fans, not to individual opinions.”
What Happens Next?
As things stand, Bhogle and Doull are not part of the commentary panel for KKR’s upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans on April 21. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will honor the CAB’s request and impose a complete ban on the duo for remaining Eden Gardens fixtures.
KKR’s Struggles and Pitch Debate
KKR’s campaign has been inconsistent, with just three wins in seven games. Team management has privately expressed dissatisfaction over pitch behavior at their home ground, believing the lack of spin has put their bowlers at a disadvantage. The situation has led to growing tensions between franchise expectations and curatorial independence.
What’s at Stake?
Eden Gardens is set to host four more league matches, including key playoff fixtures. If Bhogle and Doull are excluded, it could raise serious questions about commentator freedom, pitch politics, and the evolving relationship between franchises and venue authorities.
Stay tuned as this high-voltage off-field drama continues to unfold in the IPL 2025 season.
