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On day two of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane, former English women’s cricketer Isha Guha allegedly made a racist remark about Jasprit Bumrah live on air during her commentary stint on Fox Cricket. The 39-year-old reportedly called Jasprit Bumrah “primate” while trying to lavish praise on the Indian fast bowler, who had picked up a couple of early wickets in the first session of play.
“Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. 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 to this Test match, and whether he would be fit,” Isha Guha understood to have said about the 31-year-old cricketer, videos of which went viral in no time. But at the start of Day 3 of the third Test in Brisbane, the former cricketer sent out an apology for her comments.
Isa Guha apologises for her Jasprit Bumrah “primate” comment
The former English cricketer at the start of Day 3 of the third Test, addressed the matter and issued an apology. Guha apologised for any offence she had caused with the use of word and explained that she meant to give highest praise to the Indian pace spearhead and admitted of using the wrong word instead. “Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others,” she said.
“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,” Guha continued. "I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I've chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry. 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," she further clarified.
