A long-standing voice in Indian cricket broadcasting has stepped away under a cloud of controversy, bringing attention to deeper questions around opportunity and representation in the commentary ecosystem.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has announced his retirement from BCCI commentary after more than two decades, revealing his decision through a series of posts on X, where he outlined frustrations over his role and experiences.
Retirement announcement triggers debate over commentary roles
The former India leg-spinner made his decision public in direct terms, writing, “I am retiring from commentary for BCCI.”
I am retiring from commentary for BCCI
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
His announcement quickly evolved into a broader critique of how roles had been allocated during his 23-year stint in the commentary setup.
“If I have not been used for TOSSES and PRESENTATION for 23 years and new comers come in do pitch report, tosses, presentation even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason,” he wrote on X, highlighting what he viewed as a consistent pattern of exclusion from key on-air responsibilities.
If I have not been used for TOSSES and PRESENTATION for 23 years and new comers come in do pitch report Tosses Presentation even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
Allegations of discrimination and deeper concerns emerge
As the discussion around his comments grew online, Sivaramakrishnan responded directly to suggestions about the reasons behind his treatment.
“You are right. Colour discrimination,” he wrote on X in response to a user, bringing the issue of racial bias into focus.
You are right. Colour discrimination
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
Beyond that, his posts pointed toward broader concerns within broadcast operations.
“How does a company owning BCCI rights go down? Any guesses?” he added, questioning the direction of production standards.
How does a company owning BCCI rights go down? Any guesses
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
He further indicated that his decision was part of a larger story, writing, “My retirement is nothing great. But a story of TV production unfolds. Soon you will see the bigger picture.”
My retirement is nothing great. But a story of tv production unfolds. Soon you will see the bigger picture
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
Clarification distances BCCI leadership from issue
Following the initial wave of reactions, Sivaramakrishnan provided additional context, making it clear that his concerns were not directed at the broader BCCI administration.
“Don’t bring the BCCI Administration into the picture. It’s a one on one with an employee of the BCCI. Jay Shah and Co. have nothing to do with this issue. I am taking control of my life and I think I am entitled to do it,” he wrote, framing the matter as a dispute involving an individual rather than institutional leadership.
You are right. Colour discrimination
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) March 20, 2026
Reactions from cricket fraternity highlight wider issue
The development prompted responses from across the cricket community, with former India pacer Dodda Ganesh speaking about the issue and its personal impact.
“It is unfortunate to know about Sivaramakrishnan’s story. It is not right to discriminate against people based on their skin colour. I have also been a victim of this, right from my school days. It must be very painful for Sivaramakrishnan to end his broadcast journey in this way,” Ganesh told The Federal.
Reflecting on his own experiences, he added, “Looking back at my cricket journey, I was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s life. The way he overcame discrimination and fought for people’s rights, made me succeed.”
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted on social media, writing, “Oh no! Why not this IPL?” in response to Sivaramakrishnan’s announcement.
Oh no! Why not this IPL? https://t.co/ZufOluzyoG
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 20, 2026
A 23-year commentary journey comes to an abrupt end
Sivaramakrishnan’s exit marks the end of a commentary career that began in 2000, following his playing days with India in the 1980s.
During his international career, he featured in nine Tests and 16 ODIs, including a standout 12-wicket performance against England in 1984. He was also part of India’s 1985 World Championship of Cricket-winning squad and later served as a player representative on the ICC Cricket Committee.
His departure now brings renewed scrutiny to how roles are assigned within cricket broadcasting, particularly at the highest level of the Indian game, while also raising questions about the structures behind on-air decision-making.
