MUMBAI: Now, this is a first of its kind in Indian cricket. If you aspire to become a Test cricket commentator, the first rule is you ought to have played Test cricket.
The new 'international experience' rule has just been brought about by the BCCI, which is apparently a
BCCI big-shot's idea, to chalk out some kind of deference for those who wish to speak about the game.
Now, surprisingly, among India's commentators who are contracted with BCCI and various other television channels, this new rule affects none other than Harsha Bhogle, who has never played any international cricket.
Harsha has been a favourite with television channels for years but because of this rule being implemented, he cannot do commentary in India.
The implementation of the rule therefore comes as a surprise, especially if one has to consider if it has been brought into effect to deny Harsha the opportunity in the first place.
Sources in the know of developments say "Harsha took an anti-BCCI stand on a few issue – primarily the controversial DRS which the BCCI strongly continues to oppose – because of which he's out."
However, Harsha recently took on ex-England captain
Tony Greig when the latter criticised the BCCI and came out all in support of the board.
Despite this, he has managed to get into the BCCI's famously outrageous 'bad books'.
It remains to be seen if Harsha will be allowed to do commentary for international one-day and Twenty20 matches or if the BCCI will snatch that opportunity away too.