Sanjay manjrekar. (Photo Source: Fiona Goodall-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Former cricketer and famous commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently made controversial remarks during the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The incident, which occurred during India’s match against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai, has reignited debates about regional bias in Indian cricket and the influence of the so-called “Mumbai lobby.”
During the second innings of India’s opening game, as the camera was panned towards the coaching staff, Manjrekar identified head coach Amol Muzumdar and assistant coach Aavishkar Salvi, both from Mumbai.
“Amol Muzumdar looks in happy spirits, and this is good so the team can see the coach and react [positively]. To his left is Aavishkar Salvi, his assistant coach,” he said.
However, when his co-commentator mentioned fielding coach Munish Bali, a former Punjab player, Manjrekar’s response sparked widespread criticism.
“And to his right, Munish Bali, former Punjab player and now the team’s fielding coach.” To this, Manjrekar replied, “Sorry, I didn’t recognize him. I don’t pay much attention to North [Indian] players.”
I’ve no interest in North Indian Cricketers
– Sanjay Manjrekar
Why so much hate ? pic.twitter.com/RBPkPvYuCJ
— Sports_comedy (@sports_komedy) October 5, 2024
Also Read: IND vs BAN: Sanjay Manjrekar questions Rohit Sharma’s decision with an interesting stat
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with fans calling for Manjrekar’s removal from the commentary panel. Many viewed his comments as proof of a longstanding bias towards cricketers from Mumbai.
This controversy has sparked discussions about the existence and influence of the “Mumbai lobby” in Indian cricket, particularly regarding national team selections. Recently Manjrekar had praised Rohit Sharma’s captaincy during India’s Test series win over Bangladesh which also was compared to his inclination towards Mumbai players.
Critics felt that such comments from influential figures in cricket commentary sustain regional divides and diminish the spirit of national unity in sports. Supporters of Manjrekar, however, believe that his words were misconstrued and blown out of proportion.
Here are some reactions –
@BCCI why Sanjay Manjrekar is even in the commentary panel. Why he can’t do proper research and seriously embarrass himself
— Ajay (@ajay_gandhar) October 5, 2024
Sanjay Manjrekar said in a commentary that he has no interest in North Indian Cricketer.
How @BCCI allow this person in commentary ?? He is only nepotism kid and member of rohit pr team . @JayShah #iccworldcup
— viratian (@Sharmanav2) October 5, 2024
Sanjay Manjrekar is a waste of time there should be retirement for commentators also
— Ramani (@lramani33) October 5, 2024
Sanjay Manjrekar said in a commentary that he has no interest in North Indian Cricketer.
Nothing new, I already knew that guy promotes racism
— Kartik Sehgal (@kartik_vlsi) October 4, 2024
Called Jadeja a “bits and pieces player”.
Called Hardik a useless player in white-ball.
Always runs an agenda against Virat Kohli.
Now says he has no interest in North Indian players.
I think it’s rightfully time to ban Sanjay Manjrekar for once and all #bansanjaymanjrekar
— H. 🇮🇹 (@cmoncheeeks) October 4, 2024
Sanjay should be out of commentary
— 𝓱 ¹⁷ 🇮🇳 (@twitfrenzy_) October 5, 2024
Well @sanjaymanjrekar should be sacked from comm box asap
He is disgraceful to the core https://t.co/hXFUvRGC7v
— Yashraj Hitange (@igniteminds06) October 5, 2024