Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from BCCI commentary, alleging racism and lack of opportunities during his 23-year stint. The 60-year-old made the announcement through a series of posts on X.
Sivaramakrishnan said he was consistently overlooked for key on-air roles like toss and presentation despite being part of the setup for over two decades. Responding to a user on X who suggested race could be a factor, he agreed, writing, “You are right. Colour discrimination.”
“I am retiring from commentary for BCCI,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote.
He questioned why he was not given opportunities that were handed to newer commentators.
“If I have not been used for tosses and presentation for 23 years and newcomers come in what do you think could be the reason,” he said.
He also hinted at deeper issues within the broadcast system.
“How does a company owning BCCI rights go down? Any guesses,” he added.
Sivaramakrishnan further pointed out that even during periods when established names like Ravi Shastri were part of the team setup, he was not given such responsibilities, suggesting a long-standing pattern.
He added that his decision to step away was not just about retirement, but also about raising questions around how production and role allocation works.
“My retirement is nothing great. But a story of TV production unfolds. Soon you will see the bigger picture,” he wrote.
WHO IS LAXMAN SIVARAMAKRISHNAN?
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan was one of India’s promising leg-spinners in the early 1980s.
He played 9 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987, taking 26 wickets in Tests with three five-wicket hauls, and 15 wickets in ODIs.
He made his Test debut during the 1983 tour of the West Indies and gained early attention after picking up seven wickets for two runs in a domestic game as a youngster.
One of his standout performances came in 1984 against England, where he took 12 wickets in a match.
He was also part of India’s 1985 World Championship-winning team in Australia, finishing 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, especially on spin bowling.
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