Former Indian footballer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has stepped down from commentary duties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over alleged racism and lack of opportunities during his 23-year tenure. The 60-year-old made the announcement through a series of posts on X that have now gone viral.
Through his X account, Sivaramakrishnan said he has been consistently overlooked for key on-air roles such as draw duties and post-match presentation ceremonies, despite being part of the set-up for more than two decades. Responding to a user who suggested race could be a factor, he agreed, writing: “You’re right. Color discrimination.”
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“Retiring from commentary for BCCI,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote.
He questioned why he was not given the opportunities that newer commentators were given.
“If I haven’t been used for 23 years to pitch and pitch and rookies are coming in, what do you think there could be a reason for,” he said.
Sivaramakrishnan further pointed out that even during periods when established names like Ravi Shastri were part of the team’s line-up, he was not given such responsibilities, indicating a long-term pattern.
He added that his decision to leave was not just about retirement, but also about raising questions about how production works and casting.
“My retirement is nothing great. But the story of TV production is unfolding. You’ll see the bigger picture soon,” he wrote.
WHO IS LAXMAN SIVARAMAKRISHNAN?
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan was one of the promising Indian netball players in the early 1980s.
He played 9 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987, taking 26 wickets with three five-wicket hauls in Tests and 15 wickets in ODIs.
He made his Test debut during the 1983 tour of the West Indies and gained early attention after taking seven wickets for two runs in a home match as a youngster.
One of his standout performances came in 1984 against England where he took 12 wickets in the match.
He was also part of the Indian team that won the 1985 World Cup in Australia and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
After retiring from cricket, he moved into commentary and soon became a prominent voice for over two decades, known for his technical analysis, particularly on spin bowling.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
20 March 2026 18:02 IST
