Commentators often play a vital role in helping viewers understand the game by breaking down and analysing all the action on the field. They can go all out in praising a player or a team for their efforts, while also not holding back on criticising when and where needed. Controversial live commentary moments are part of sport’s DNA. Below are five on-air commentator moments that sparked debate.
1. Sanjay Manjrekar - the ‘bits and pieces’ remark about Jadeja
During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Indian commentator Sanjay Manjrekar faced harsh criticism for calling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja a "bits and pieces cricketer." The remark suggested that Ravindra Jadeja was inconsistent as a bowler or batter.
Manjrekar has previously stated, "I am not a big fan of bits and pieces players, which Jadeja is at this point in his career in 50-over cricket." On social media, it provoked outrage. "Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I’m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhea,” Ravindra Jadeja retorted.
2. Kerry O’Keeffe — the ‘railway canteen’ jibe at Mayank Agarwal
During the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Australian commentator Kerry O’Keeffe made a crude on-air joke about Mayank Agarwal’s first-class triple century, implying it came against low-quality opposition (“Railways canteen staff”).
Indian players and fans took offence and O’Keeffe apologised. He said he hadn’t intended to insult. The incident underlined how national sensitivities and stereotyping can turn a throwaway line into an international story and how a commentator’s “humour” can damage broadcast relationships and trust.
3. Isa Guha — the ‘primate’ remark and on-air apology
Covering a Test series in Australia, commentator Isa Guha used the word “primate” while talking about Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling, a phrase widely perceived as inappropriate given the history of demeaning, racist language used against people of colour.
Guha apologised on air the next day, saying she had used the wrong word and hadn’t meant to offend. The episode is a reminder that even well-intentioned comments can carry racially loaded connotations, and that prompt acknowledgement matters. It also sparked discussion about training, editorial oversight and the fine line between colourful metaphor and offensive language.
4. Dean Jones - calling Amla a terrorist
Dean Jones, a former cricket player who is now a broadcaster, was renowned for his recklessness and frantic dashing between the wickets. But it was during the commentary that he took too many chances, and it did not turn out well.
When Hashim Amla made the catch to remove an agitated Kumar Sangakkara on the fourth day of play between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo, Dean Jones said, "The terrorist has got another wicket." The Australian's offensive remark sparked a media frenzy of scathing criticism. Ten Sports fired Jones right away, and he later apologised in a statement for his offensive remark.
5. Nasser Hussain - ‘donkey’ remark on Indian players
Some Indian cricket players have been referred to as "donkeys" by former England captain Nasser Hussain, a highly famous commentator these days, because of their lethargic movement around the ground as they age. Nasser Hussain, a former England captain and broadcaster, made a contentious remark regarding a few Indian cricket players during the 2011 One-Off Twenty20 International between England and India.
For a period, Hussain lost a lot of support from Indian cricket fans, even though the England Cricket Board (ECB) did nothing about his remark.
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5 Times when commentators made controversial comments on air
Explore 5 instances when cricket commentators sparked controversy with on-air remarks, creating debates and reactions among fans worldwide.
Commentators often play a vital role in helping viewers understand the game by breaking down and analysing all the action on the field. They can go all out in praising a player or a team for their efforts, while also not holding back on criticising when and where needed. Controversial live commentary moments are part of sport’s DNA. Below are five on-air commentator moments that sparked debate.
1. Sanjay Manjrekar - the ‘bits and pieces’ remark about Jadeja
During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Indian commentator Sanjay Manjrekar faced harsh criticism for calling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja a "bits and pieces cricketer." The remark suggested that Ravindra Jadeja was inconsistent as a bowler or batter.
Manjrekar has previously stated, "I am not a big fan of bits and pieces players, which Jadeja is at this point in his career in 50-over cricket." On social media, it provoked outrage. "Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I’m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhea,” Ravindra Jadeja retorted.
2. Kerry O’Keeffe — the ‘railway canteen’ jibe at Mayank Agarwal
During the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Australian commentator Kerry O’Keeffe made a crude on-air joke about Mayank Agarwal’s first-class triple century, implying it came against low-quality opposition (“Railways canteen staff”).
Indian players and fans took offence and O’Keeffe apologised. He said he hadn’t intended to insult. The incident underlined how national sensitivities and stereotyping can turn a throwaway line into an international story and how a commentator’s “humour” can damage broadcast relationships and trust.
3. Isa Guha — the ‘primate’ remark and on-air apology
Covering a Test series in Australia, commentator Isa Guha used the word “primate” while talking about Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling, a phrase widely perceived as inappropriate given the history of demeaning, racist language used against people of colour.
Guha apologised on air the next day, saying she had used the wrong word and hadn’t meant to offend. The episode is a reminder that even well-intentioned comments can carry racially loaded connotations, and that prompt acknowledgement matters. It also sparked discussion about training, editorial oversight and the fine line between colourful metaphor and offensive language.
4. Dean Jones - calling Amla a terrorist
Dean Jones, a former cricket player who is now a broadcaster, was renowned for his recklessness and frantic dashing between the wickets. But it was during the commentary that he took too many chances, and it did not turn out well.
When Hashim Amla made the catch to remove an agitated Kumar Sangakkara on the fourth day of play between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo, Dean Jones said, "The terrorist has got another wicket." The Australian's offensive remark sparked a media frenzy of scathing criticism. Ten Sports fired Jones right away, and he later apologised in a statement for his offensive remark.
5. Nasser Hussain - ‘donkey’ remark on Indian players
Some Indian cricket players have been referred to as "donkeys" by former England captain Nasser Hussain, a highly famous commentator these days, because of their lethargic movement around the ground as they age. Nasser Hussain, a former England captain and broadcaster, made a contentious remark regarding a few Indian cricket players during the 2011 One-Off Twenty20 International between England and India.
For a period, Hussain lost a lot of support from Indian cricket fans, even though the England Cricket Board (ECB) did nothing about his remark.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!