Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has announced his retirement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commentary panel, citing a lack of opportunities and alleging discrimination during his long broadcasting career. Sivaramakrishnan, 60, made the announcement on Friday via social media, saying, “I am retiring from commentary for BCCI.” His statement was followed by a series of posts in which he expressed frustration over not being assigned prominent on-air roles such as toss duties and post-match presentations.
“If I have not been used for TOSSES and PRESENTATION for 23 years and new comers come in do pitch report Tosses Presentation even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason,” he wrote.
He further suggested that his decision could bring to light broader concerns around cricket broadcasting. “How does a company owning BCCI rights go down? Any guesses. “My retirement is nothing great. But a story of tv production unfolds. Soon you will see the bigger picture,” he tweeted.
Responding to a user’s comment linking his lack of opportunities to skin color, Sivaramakrishnan said, “You are right. Colour discrimination.” The reply quickly drew attention online, though he did not elaborate further.
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His decision also drew a reaction from India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who expressed surprise at the timing of the decision ahead of the Indian Premier League, posting, “Oh no! Why not this IPL?”
Who is Laxman Sivaramakrishnan?
A familiar voice in Indian cricket coverage since the early 2000s, Sivaramakrishnan was known for his candid opinions and technical insights. However, in recent years, he had largely been absent from high-profile international matches and major tournaments.
Fondly known as “Siva,” he first rose to prominence as a teenage leg-spinner in the early 1980s. He represented India in nine Tests and 16 One-Day Internationals between 1983 and 1986.
One of the highlights of his playing career came in 1984, when he claimed 12 wickets in a Test against England, establishing himself as one of India’s most promising spinners of that era.
He also played a key role in India’s triumph at the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket 1985 in Australia under the captaincy of Sunil Gavaskar. Sivaramakrishnan finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, including a crucial performance in the final against Pakistan, where India secured an eight-wicket victory.
Following his retirement from playing, he transitioned into commentary in 2000 and went on to serve as a player representative on the International Cricket Council Cricket Committee.
