Commentator sorry for calling Jasprit Bumrah ‘primate’
Cricket commentator Isa Guha calls India bowler Jasprit Bumrah ‘most valuable primate’ for third Test against Australia “And apologized.
Bumrah made the remarks while speaking to Fox Sports in Brisbane on Sunday after she got India off to a stunning start with two quick wickets.
Her comments sparked a backlash on social media, with people pointing out that the term is historically a racial slur.
On Monday, Guha apologized on air: “Yesterday in a comment I used a word that can be interpreted in many different ways… I want to apologize for any offense caused.”
Guha, who is also a BBC commentator and former England cricketer, was broadcasting live with colleagues Brett Lee and Alan Border when the controversy occurred.
“Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, that’s what you want from the former captain,” Lee said.
Guha responded: “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? (The) 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 – until this Test match and whether he is fit.”
In her apology on Monday, she said: “I have set very high standards for myself when it comes to compassion and respect for others, and if you listen to the full transcript, I mean just that to one of India’s greatest players and me “The highest praise from people I know,” she said.
She said she had been “trying to portray the magnitude of his achievements, but I chose the wrong words and I’m deeply sorry for that”.
“As someone of South Asian descent, I hope people realize there was no other intent or malice involved,” she said.
Fox Sports commentator and former India coach Ravi Shastri praised her apology and urged India to “move on”.
“As far as the Indian team is concerned, Tests are ongoing and they want to focus on the competition,” he said.
Bumrah continued his exploits on Monday, taking the sixth wicket of the innings.
