Kolkata’s Iconic Venue Sparks a Commentary Controversy That’s Got Cricket Fans Talking
The electric atmosphere of Eden Gardens, Kolkata’s cricketing cathedral, buzzing with 66,000 fans. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are battling it out in IPL 2025, but something’s missing. The familiar voices of Harsha Bhogle, the soul of cricket commentary, and Simon Doull, the sharp-tongued former pacer, are nowhere to be heard. Why? A fiery dispute over a pitch, a curator, and some bold words that shook the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). This isn’t just a story about two commentators being benched—it’s a saga about cricket’s heart, home advantage, and the fine line between speaking truth and stirring trouble. Buckle up as we dive into one of the IPL’s juiciest controversies yet.
The Pitch That Started It All
Let’s set the scene. It’s IPL 2025, and KKR, the defending champions, are struggling at home. Their spin-heavy attack—led by mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and the evergreen Sunil Narine—should be ruling Eden Gardens. But the pitches? They’re not cooperating. After a crushing seven-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane didn’t hold back. “We asked for slower, spin-friendly tracks,” he said, frustration evident. “But we’re not getting them.”
Enter Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, two of cricket’s most respected voices, who took to Cricbuzz to unpack KKR’s woes. Bhogle, with his trademark eloquence, argued that home teams deserve pitches tailored to their strengths. “It’s not about extreme surfaces—give me a track where my bowlers can shine,” he said, calling it a legitimate part of the IPL’s charm. Doull went further, dropping a bombshell: if curator Sujan Mukherjee keeps ignoring KKR’s requests, the franchise should consider ditching Eden Gardens. “They pay the stadium fees,” Doull quipped. “They should get a say.”
Those words lit a fuse. The CAB, fiercely protective of Eden Gardens’ legacy, wasn’t amused. In a bold move, they wrote to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demanding that Bhogle and Doull be barred from commentating at Kolkata’s matches for IPL 2025. The reason? Their comments were seen as an attack on Mukherjee Q&A session, undermining the professionalism of pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee and tarnishing Eden Gardens’ reputation.
The Fallout: Silence in the Commentary Box
The impact was swift and stunning. When KKR faced Gujarat Titans on April 21 at Eden Gardens, fans noticed the absence of Bhogle and Doull from the commentary panel. The match, a critical one for KKR’s playoff hopes, ended in defeat, but the real buzz was off the field. Sources close to Bhogle clarified that he wasn’t scheduled for KKR’s home games, but the timing—right after the CAB’s letter—raised eyebrows. A CAB official confirmed to PTI, “Bhogle and Doull are not part of the commentary team for KKR’s home matches, but this could change for Qualifier 2 and the IPL final.”
The BCCI, known for its tight grip on IPL operations, has stayed mum, likely hoping to let the storm pass. With Eden Gardens set to host six more matches, including the high-stakes Qualifier 2 (May 23) and the IPL final (May 25), the absence of these commentary giants could shift the vibe of the broadcast. Fans on X are already divided—some call the CAB’s move petty, while others defend the association’s right to protect its curator and venue.
Meet Sujan Mukherjee, the Man in the Middle
At the center of this storm is Sujan Mukherjee, Eden Gardens’ chief curator since 2015. Replacing the legendary Prabir Mukherjee after a washout controversy, Sujan has built a reputation for crafting balanced pitches. But his strict adherence to BCCI guidelines—which prioritize “sporting wickets” over team preferences—has put him at odds with KKR. The franchise’s spin-centric strategy thrives on slow, turning tracks, yet Eden’s surfaces this season have offered little for spinners.
Mukherjee, unfazed, told RevSportz, “I don’t care what Bhogle or Doull say. My job is to make a good wicket for the spectators and my association.” His stance aligns with the BCCI’s push for neutrality, a response to past criticisms of doctored pitches in Indian cricket. But for KKR’s management, including head coach Chandrakant Pandit, it’s a bitter pill. They see tailored pitches as a strategic edge, not manipulation.
Why This Matters: Commentary, Freedom, and Cricket’s Soul
This isn’t just about a pitch or two missing commentators—it’s a clash of cricket’s old and new worlds. Harsha Bhogle, often called the “voice of Indian cricket,” and Simon Doull, with his no-nonsense analysis, are fan favorites for their honesty. Their critique wasn’t personal; it was about KKR’s struggles and a bigger question: should home teams shape their pitches? Bhogle says yes—it’s part of the game’s spice. The BCCI says no—it risks unfair advantage.
The CAB’s push to silence Bhogle and Doull has sparked a firestorm on X, with fans and analysts debating media freedom. “Commentators should call it as they see it,” one user posted. “CAB’s overreacting.” Others side with Kolkata’s pride: “Eden is sacred. Doull’s relocation talk was disrespectful.” The controversy echoes past incidents—like Bhogle’s mysterious exit from IPL commentary in 2016 and Irfan Pathan’s exclusion in 2025 for social media remarks—highlighting the tightrope commentators walk.
This saga also spotlights pitch politics. The IPL thrives on variety, from Chennai’s spin-friendly tracks to Mumbai’s batting paradises. But the BCCI’s neutral pitch policy aims to level the field, even if it frustrates teams like KKR. As Eden Gardens gears up for the IPL final, the spotlight on its pitch—and who gets to talk about it—will only grow.
What’s Next for IPL 2025?
The big question: will Bhogle and Doull return for Eden’s playoff matches? The BCCI’s silence suggests they’re playing it safe, balancing the CAB’s clout with the risk of alienating fans who adore the duo. The CAB, meanwhile, stands firm, with officials hinting at a possible thaw for Qualifier 2 and the final. But the damage is done—this controversy has exposed fault lines in cricket’s ecosystem, from curator autonomy to the power of commentary.
For KKR, the focus shifts to adapting. Can their spinners outsmart flatter tracks, or will they push harder for pitch influence? For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment: the thrill of IPL 2025 is undeniable, but the absence of Bhogle’s wit and Doull’s edge stings. As the season races toward its climax, one thing’s clear: Eden Gardens, with its history and heart, remains cricket’s ultimate stage—pitch drama and all.