BBC commentator gives on-air apology after calling India cricketer a ‘primate’

BBC cricket commentator Isa Guha has apologised for referring to India bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a ‘primate’.

‘Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,’ Guha said on Fox Sports.

‘He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India and why so much focus was on him in the build-up.’

Guha issued an on-air apology ahead of the start of the third day’s play, saying she was ‘deeply sorry’ and admitting she used the ‘wrong word’ while trying to praise the cricketer.

‘Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,’ she said.

‘I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.

‘If you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly.

‘I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.

‘I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I’ve chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry.

‘As someone who is also of south Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.’

More to follow…

MORE: Ben Stokes suffers fresh injury blow as England face heavy final Test defeat against New Zealand

MORE: Manchester City’s wretched run to continue with Champions League draw against Juventus

MORE: England star Harry Brook reminded me of all-time great Viv Richards against New Zealand’