Isa Guha Apologizes for “Primate” Remark Directed at Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah

Cricket commentator Isa Guha has issued an apology for referring to Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah as the “most valuable primate” during the third Test match against Australia. This comment was made on Sunday while she was providing commentary for Fox Sports in Brisbane, following Bumrah’s impressive start for India with two rapid wickets. The remark subsequently triggered a strong negative reaction on social media, with many highlighting the term’s historical use as a racial insult. Guha delivered an on-air apology on Monday, stating: “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.” The controversial incident occurred while Guha, also known as a BBC commentator and former England cricketer, was broadcasting live with fellow commentators Brett Lee and Allan Border. Lee had remarked: “Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper.” Guha’s reply was: “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-up to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.” During her apology on Monday, she stated: “I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others and 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 as well,” she said. She further explained that she had been “trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I have chosen the wrong word and for that I am deeply sorry”. She added: “As someone who is also of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there.” Ravi Shastri, a former coach for India and a fellow commentator for Fox Sports, praised her apology and encouraged India to “move on.” He stated: “People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human. To own up and say, ‘I’m sorry’ … it takes courage. She’s done it.” Shastri further commented: “As far as the Indian team, there is a Test on and they want to focus on the game.” On Monday, Bumrah continued his strong performance by securing his sixth wicket of the innings. Accusations of racism have been previously reported within international cricket, and an independent investigation into the sport, released last year, concluded that racism, sexism, classism, and elitism were “widespread” in the English and Welsh cricket system. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.