On Sunday cricket lovers were stuned to know that the BCCI had sacked the most famous cricket commentator India has produced from the IPL commitments.
The decision to terminate his contract for the ongoing IPL 9 season came as shock to many including Harsha because the commentator was actively involved in in the Season 9 draft auction and even featured in the league’s promotional videos. What’s worse is that the ever-smiling face in the commentary box had even his flight booked by the production house.
Even though Sony Network has the Exclusive broadcast rights for the event, it’s the BCCI, which takes call on all matters related to production of the cricket tournament.
There are several theories being attributed to for Harsha’s unexpected removal from the list of IPL commentators. One report said that his exit was linked with an incident during the Twetnty20 match in Nagpur, when he had a heated argument with an official from the Vidarbha Cricket Association. The current BCCI boss, Shashank Manohar, comes from this region.
Other reports suggested that his removal may have stemmed from Amitabh Bachchan’s indirect criticism for him after he was seen not ‘adequately praising Indian cricketers’ during one match in T20 World Cup.
He had even posted a clarification on his Facebook page.
Whatever, the reason, the twitter went into frenzy on Sunday night with social media users rallying behind the commentator.
Here are some of the tweets posted in his support;
Lords of @BCCI owe Indian cricket fans an explanation on why @bhogleharsha was fired. This is not cricket. @ianuragthakur @ShuklaRajiv
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) April 10, 2016
If Commentary Is Religion, Harsha Bhogle Is God. #BringBackHarsha #IPL
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) April 10, 2016
That illogical moment when Sidhu is still there and Harsha Bhogle's contract has been terminated 😐#HarshaBhogle pic.twitter.com/iyDP0ahPLK
— All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) April 10, 2016
There is a price to be paid for taking an independent, and sometimes unpopular, stance.
And, it is worth paying it. #HarshaBhogle— Harini Calamur (@calamur) April 11, 2016
So BCCI & IPL sacked #HarshaBhogle and hired these Ex-Bigg Boss contestants for these cricket discussions…Good Choice. #KKRvDD
— Paresh Rawal (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) April 10, 2016
@BCCI clearly has never heard or practised sportsmanship #HarshaBhogle https://t.co/TpjXldDauG
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) April 10, 2016
#HarshaBhogle has always been diplomatic abt his views re BCCI. If he's sacked,they better introduce commentators as cheerleaders in clothes
— Parth MN (@parthpunter) April 10, 2016
With due respect to Mr.Bachchan and Dhoni, I support #HarshaBhogle 100%. His job is to comment on the match, not to pander to Indians.
— Raja (@Raja_Sw) April 10, 2016
Grace under pressure. “@bhogleharsha: Thank you very much. I am deeply moved and overwhelmed.” #HarshaBhogle
— smruti (@smrutibombay) April 10, 2016
#HarshaBhogle
fully agree with him,, pic.twitter.com/c7Fk8CguBg— Nikstrade (@Nikstrade) April 10, 2016
What could be the reason for #HarshaBhogle's ouster from the IPL? Did he forget to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'?
— Prerna Bakshi (@bprerna) April 10, 2016
Feel bad for @bhogleharsha
Harsha was always supportive of my initiatives as Sports Minister to bring transparency! pic.twitter.com/IF1BINuVaW— Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) April 10, 2016
Let Harsha Bhogle's example be a lesson to all those Umpires who give decision against India. Deshdrohis beware! We are watching!
— Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) April 10, 2016
Harsha Bhogle has paid the price for not chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' every time we scored a boundary, took a wicket, or won the toss.
— Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) April 10, 2016