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CAB Blacklists Harsha Bhogle And Simon Doull From KKR's IPL 2025 Home Matches: Report

Soumyajit Dutta

Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]

In a dramatic turn of events during IPL 2025, renowned commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull have been barred from commentating at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, following a heated controversy over pitch preparation at the iconic venue. 

As per a RevSportz report, the move comes after the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) sent a strong letter to the BCCI, urging the board not to allow either Bhogle or Doull to be part of the commentary panel for matches at Eden Gardens, including the much-anticipated KKR vs GT clash.

Why Did CAB Red Flag Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull?

The controversy erupted after both Bhogle and Doull publicly criticised Eden Gardens’ curator Sujan Mukherjee for refusing to prepare a spin-friendly pitch as requested by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise. 

Simon Doull, speaking on a digital platform, went as far as suggesting that KKR should consider moving their base out of Kolkata if the curator continued to “be obstinate” and not heed the franchise’s requests. 

Harsha Bhogle echoed similar sentiments, arguing that home teams should be able to get tracks that suit their style of play. The CAB, however, has firmly backed Mukherjee, stating that he has simply followed BCCI rules, which explicitly prohibit franchises from dictating pitch conditions. 

Will Bhogle And Doull Be Seen At Eden Gardens?

According to the BCCI’s guidelines, the chief curator of the host association, under the supervision of the BCCI-appointed venue curator, is solely responsible for pitch preparation, and franchises or players have no say in the matter. 

The CAB’s letter was a direct response to what it called an “outburst” from the two commentators, defending Mukherjee’s adherence to the rule book and his commitment to preparing fair, competitive wickets.

As a result of the CAB’s intervention, Bhogle and Doull might not be seen in the commentary box for the KKR-GT match at Eden Gardens, and their participation in the remaining matches at the venue, including the IPL final, remains uncertain. 

The BCCI has yet to issue an official response to the CAB’s request, but if there is an absence of both commentators from Monday’s game, then it will be seen as a strong signal that the state association’s concerns are being taken seriously.