Former England cricketer Isa Guha, who is part of the Fox Cricket broadcasting team for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has issued an on-air apology after she faced backlash for a comment on India’s strike fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
On Day 2 of the Gabba Test, Guha was lauding Bumrah’s exploits with the ball and it was at this moment she made a controversial remark, leading to strong reactions from fans on social media.
Guha labelled Bumrah as the "MVP - Most Valuable Primate". Speaking further, she said, "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. He needs some support though.”
The video of her comments went viral on social media and many netizens compared it to the infamous 'Monkeygate' scandal between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds during the Sydney Test in 2008.
Before the start of third day’s play at the Gabba, Isa Guha clarified her statement and followed it with an apology.
"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," Guha said on Fox Cricket's coverage.
"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," she added.
"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 continued.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was also part of Fox Cricket's coverage, lauded Isa Guha’s "brave" act of apologizing on live television.
"Brave woman, to apologise on live television takes some steel. You heard it from the horse's mouth so as far as I am concerned, game's over. People are entitled to make mistakes, we are all human. In the heat of the moment, sometimes when you have the mic in your hand, things can happen. Let's move on," said Shastri.
For the unversed, Isa Guha was born to Indian parents in the UK. She represented England in 113 matches across all formats of the game.
