Delhi: Former England player and commentator Isa Guha has apologized for calling Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah a “primate” during the third Test match between India and Australia. She said on Monday that the wording was wrong and she deeply regretted it.
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‘Bumrah is MVP (Most Valuable Primate)’
Isa Guha had made this comment when Brett Lee praised Bumrah’s excellent bowling. On the second day, Bumrah had dismissed both the Australian openers. He had said, “Well, he is the MVP (Most Valuable Primate), Jasprit Bumrah. “He is the player who will perform for India, and that is why there was so much talk about his fitness before this Test match.”
Apologized after criticism
His use of the word “primate” drew a lot of criticism on social media. After this, 39-year-old Guha apologized and said that his intention was not to hurt anyone. Guha apologized during the commentary at the beginning of the third day and said, “Yesterday I used a word in the commentary which can be understood in different ways. If this has hurt anyone, I am sorry.”
She further said, “I always try to be respectful and empathetic towards others in my work. If you look at the whole context, I was only praising one of the great players of India. Jasprit Bumrah is a very respected player for me.”
Apologized for wrong word choice
Isa Guha, who herself is of Indian origin and is part of the Fox Sports commentary team, clarified that there was no malice in her words. She said, “I have always strived for equality and inclusion in sports. I had chosen the word only to make his achievement look bigger, which proved to be wrong. For this I apologize.”
She also added in her apology, “I am of South Asian heritage myself and hope people understand there was no malicious intent. Hopefully this controversy will not spoil the fun of this excellent Test match.”
Ravi Shastri appreciated
Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was commentating with Guha, appreciated his apology. Shastri said, “It is a matter of courage to apologize on live TV. You accepted it honestly, the matter ends here for me.”