Former India batsman turned broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar has been reportedly axed from the commentary panel of BCCI. Manjrekar, who has been a regular face in the commentary box in India’s home matches for the past few years, might not be included in IPL 2020, which is now scheduled to begin from April 15, instead of March 29 due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus.
Sanjay Manjrekar was not present in Dharamsala during the first ODI between India and South Africa, which was called off without a ball being bowled on Thursday due to rain. Other commentators Sunil Gavaskar, L Sivaramakrishnan, and Murali Kartik were there, according to the report of the Mumbai Mirror.
While there was no news why the Manjrekar was dropped out, the report shared that the authorities were not happy with his work and his comments as well.
“Maybe he will be left out from the IPL panel too. At this stage, it is not on top of our minds. But the fact is they are not happy with his work,” A source was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror.
Sanjay Manjrekar had found himself at the gun-point from all the fans in the social media not once but twice last year for his weird comments. It was all started when he first called India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja a bits and pieces cricketer during the ICC Cricket World Cup where India, unfortunately, lost to New Zealand in the semi-final and then after a few months later when he questioned the credentials of fellow commentator and experienced Harsha Bhogle. His comments made every fan angry and they started trolling him on social media as well.
However, Manjrekar had apologized later for both of his comments on Ravindra Jadeja and Harsha Bhogle. On the other hand, the remaining two match of the India vs South Africa ODI series has been called off as BCCI decided not to take any risk with the health of cricketers, support staff, broadcasters and everyone involved in the series due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Notably, earlier on Friday, the board had also decided to postpone the cash-rich tournament Indian Premier League till April 15 to stay safe amidst coronavirus.
