Courtesy: X
Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar is facing heavy criticism for a comment he made during the India versus New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup match on October 4, 2024. While discussing the Indian team's coaching staff, Manjrekar admitted that he didn't recognise fielding coach Munish Bali, stating, "North ke players ki taraf mera zyada dhyaan nahi hota (I don't pay much attention to players from North India)."
This remark upset many viewers, who found it disrespectful towards the northern Indian players. Fans on social media platform X have been voicing their anger, with some even asking for Manjrekar to be removed from the commentary team. It's worth noting that Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, hails from Punjab, a northern Indian state. Such remarks can be seen as undermining the contributions of players from specific regions, which is particularly concerning in a diverse country like India.
Fans on social media platform X want Sanjay Manjrekar to be removed from commentary box
Many X users have called for a ban on Manjrekar from commentary for such remarks. A user posted on the social media platform, "Couldn’t we just ban these people from spreading verbal diarrhoea!?"
Another user posted, "How is this allowed at an international level? This is a serious issue, @ICC should ban @sanjaymanjrekar from the commentary panel."
A user also asked Star Sports India and the BCCI: "@StarSportsIndia @BCCI why do you keep hiring someone who gives comments like these?"
This isn't the first time Sanjay Manjrekar has gotten into trouble for his on-air comments. In the past, he has also been criticized for similar remarks akin to soft racism. Moreover, the Indian women's team faced a huge defeat against New Zealand on Friday, October 4, 2024 in their first match in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. With the team already facing tough competition, the comments from a commentator can hurt the feelings of both fans and players who are supporting and playing for one "India."
