New Delhi, December 17 (UITV): A racial comment directed at Jasprit Bumrah has sparked a massive uproar in the cricketing world. Currently regarded as one of the best bowlers in cricket, Bumrah recently showcased his extraordinary skills by taking five wickets in the third Test match between India and Australia. This marked the 12th instance in Bumrah’s Test career where he claimed five or more wickets in an innings—a remarkable achievement. However, this accomplishment was overshadowed by a racial remark made by a female commentator, which sent shockwaves through the cricket fraternity.
On the second day of the Brisbane Test, during the first session, Bumrah took two brilliant wickets, earning praise from Australian legend Brett Lee. During the same broadcast, English commentator Isa Guha made a comment that stirred controversy. She referred to Bumrah as a “primate,” which translates to “ape” or “monkey” in Hindi. Isa Guha described Bumrah as the “most valuable primate,” and her choice of words quickly became a hot topic on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
This term caused an uproar because words like “primate” and “monkey” are linked to the infamous “Monkeygate Scandal” between India and Australia in 2008. During a Test match in Sydney, Indian bowler Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling Australian player Andrew Symonds a “monkey,” leading to a three-match suspension for Harbhajan and a highly contentious episode. The use of the word “monkey” brought back memories of that incident, and Isa Guha’s use of “primate” rekindled the shadow of the 2008 controversy among cricket fans.
In response to the backlash, Isa Guha issued an apology. She expressed regret on social media, explaining that her intention was only to compliment Jasprit Bumrah. In her apology, she stated, “During commentary yesterday, I used a word that may have different connotations. If my words have hurt anyone, I deeply apologize. I always strive to show respect to everyone and never intend to offend anyone deliberately.”
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While “primate” generally refers to a large-brained mammal, it became controversial due to its association with the “Monkeygate” scandal. Social media saw heated reactions, with many calling Isa Guha’s remarks racially insensitive. Some users criticized her statement as inappropriate and argued that such words could severely harm her career.
Many cricket enthusiasts labeled Isa Guha’s comment as racial and raised questions about whether commentators should use such terms. Additionally, her words created discontent among Indian fans, as the use of terms like “monkey” is a sensitive issue for them.
Although Isa Guha apologized for her remarks, the controversy has ignited a fresh debate in the cricketing world. The incident raises the question of whether commentators need to exercise greater caution in their language choices, particularly concerning racial identity. The selection of words in such sensitive contexts holds profound importance for both the players and the audience.
No formal action has been taken regarding this controversy so far, but the incident highlights the need for greater responsibility in commentary and public statements within sports. It is crucial to remember that comments made on public platforms can sometimes lead to significant controversies, underscoring the importance of using thoughtful and sensitive language in such scenarios.
Despite Isa Guha’s apology, the incident emphasizes the profound impact of words in sports and other public domains. It serves as a reminder that commentators and public figures should be mindful of their responsibilities and choose their words carefully to ensure that no individual or community is inadvertently hurt.
