Isa Guha apologised for ‘choosing the wrong word’
BBC cricket commentator Isa Guha has apologised for referring to India bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a ‘primate’.
Guha was commentating for Australian sports network Fox Sports when she ‘chose the wrong word’ to describe Bumrah, one of the best cricketers in the world.
Bumrah had just dismissed both Australian openers in the space of two overs when she began to heap praise on the 31-year-old.
‘Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,’ Guha said on day two of the third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane.
‘He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India and why so much focus was on him in the build-up.’
The comment sparked a social media backlash and Guha issued an on-air apology ahead of the start of the third day’s play at the Gabba.
‘Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,’ she said.
India cricket star Jasprit Bumrah
‘I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.
‘If you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly.
‘I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.
‘I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I’ve chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry.
Guha interviewing Australia captain Pat Cummins
‘As someone who is also of south Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.’
Guha, whose parents were both born in India, has worked as a commentator and broadcaster for the BBC since retiring from a playing career which saw her play over 100 games for England.
A former pace bowler, Guha took 148 wickets for her country and helped England win the World Cup in 2009.
Responding to her apology, ex-India coach Ravi Shastri said: ‘People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human.
‘To own up and say, “I’m sorry”… it takes courage. She’s done it. As far as the Indian team, there is a Test on and they want to focus on the game.’
Bumrah has been arguably the most complete fast bowler in the world over the past decade, taking 423 wickets across all formats.
He underlined his status as the best bowler in the world by taking eight wickets in India’s emphatic victory over Australia in the first Test of the series in Perth.
Australia responded superbly in the second Test – winning by 10 wickets to level the five-match series – and are well top in the third, India falling to 51-4 in reply to the hosts’ 445.