"Sack Him": Sanjay Manjrekar Faces Backlash for "Racist" Comment During Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked controversy yet again, this time for an on-air comment during the India vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup match on Friday. While discussing the Indian women's cricket coaching staff, Manjrekar made a remark that many viewers found discriminatory and offensive, igniting a storm on social media.

Manjrekar, during a conversation about Munish Bali, India women's fielding coach and a former player from Punjab, stated that he was unfamiliar with Bali and added, “North ke players ki taraf mera zyada dhyaan nahi hota” ("I don’t pay much attention to players from North India"). This remark was seen by many as a disparaging comment about North Indian cricketers, leading to widespread outrage.

The Social Media Backlash

Manjrekar’s comment did not sit well with cricket fans and viewers, many of whom quickly took to social media to express their frustration and call for action against the former cricketer. Twitter was flooded with comments demanding that Manjrekar be sacked for what some termed a "racist" and "divisive" statement.

Here are some reactions:

• @sports_komedy: "I've no interest in North Indian Cricketers – Sanjay Manjrekar. Why so much hate?"
• @18ModernMaster: "@ICC @BCCI how can you allow such a racist person in the commentary panel?? Put a ban on him."
• @abhaysingh_13: "Sanjay Manjrekar said, 'I don’t pay much attention to players from the North.' Mumbai Lobby is a real thing!!"
• @sinhatapish: "PATHETIC. SHOULD BE SACKED IMMEDIATELY."

The hashtag #SackManjrekar quickly began trending, with calls for broadcasters and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove him from commentary panels.

Not Manjrekar’s First Controversy

Sanjay Manjrekar is no stranger to controversies. Over the years, his blunt remarks have often landed him in hot water, both with fans and cricketing professionals alike. In the past, he has been criticised for his outspoken and sometimes harsh views on players, most notably during the 2019 World Cup when he referred to Ravindra Jadeja as a "bits and pieces" player. Manjrekar was temporarily dropped from the commentary panel following that incident but made his way back to the broadcasting scene later.

The Game Itself

As for the match, New Zealand put on an impressive performance, defeating India by 58 runs. Batting first, New Zealand scored 160/4 in 20 overs, thanks to a blistering 57* off 36 balls by Sophie Devine. India, in response, was bowled out for just 102 in 19 overs, with Rosemary Mair starring with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 19 runs.

A moment of tension occurred during the 14th over of New Zealand's innings when a controversial incident unfolded. Amelia Kerr hit a ball to long-off, completing a single, but Sophie Devine attempted to take a second run as the fielders believed the play had ended. Harmanpreet Kaur threw the ball to the striker's end, dismissing Kerr, but the umpire ruled the ball dead, leading to visible frustration from the Indian captain.

What Happens Next?

Manjrekar's comment has now raised serious questions about his future as a commentator. While no official statement has been made yet by the broadcasters or the BCCI, it remains to be seen if any action will be taken against him.

In an era where public figures are increasingly held accountable for their words, it’s clear that such comments can no longer go unnoticed. Fans are now waiting to see if Manjrekar will offer an apology or face consequences for his remarks.

Conclusion:
Manjrekar’s controversial comment during the Women's T20 World Cup match has reignited debates about bias and fairness in cricket commentary. As the social media backlash continues to grow, all eyes are on the broadcasters and the cricketing authorities to see how they will respond to the situation.

Sources: NDTV Sports, Twitter