CAB Seeks Ban on Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from Commentating at Eden Gardens

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The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has reportedly written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), urging them to prevent renowned commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from covering matches at Eden Gardens during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

This development comes in the wake of growing criticism around pitch preparation at the iconic venue.

As per a report by RevSportz, the CAB's request follows remarks made by both commentators that questioned the Eden Gardens pitch curator's decisions and suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should consider relocating if their preferences for pitch conditions were not met.

During a conversation on Cricbuzz, Doull strongly criticized the lack of alignment between the franchise's needs and the curator's actions, saying:

"If the curator isn't responding to the requirements of the home team, then maybe the franchise should move. They pay to use the stadium and should have a say. His role isn't to share opinions-he's there to do his job."

Harsha Bhogle expressed a similar stance, stating that teams should be able to play on surfaces tailored to their strengths, especially when playing at home.

These remarks have not gone down well with the CAB, which has stood firmly behind curator Sujan Mukherjee. The association maintains that the curator has simply adhered to the BCCI's regulations, which prohibit franchises from dictating pitch specifications. According to the rulebook, pitches must be prepared neutrally and without franchise interference.

The friction reportedly stems from KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane's request for spin-friendly tracks at Eden Gardens to complement key bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. However, the wickets at the venue have leaned towards pace, leading to high-scoring games and growing frustration within the KKR camp.

The CAB insists that the curator has done no wrong and believes the commentary from Bhogle and Doull undermines the professionalism of those preparing the pitches under established guidelines.

While the BCCI has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, reports suggest that neither Doull nor Bhogle is likely to be in the commentary box for the upcoming fixture between KKR and Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens on Monday.

Adding to the intrigue, the IPL 2025 final is also scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens on May 25, which means the pitch debate and its associated controversies may continue to stay in the spotlight.