Senior cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, who has been associated with Indian cricket since the mid-80s and been part of the IPL commentary team since the first season in 2008, has been removed from the panel by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bhogle was told about the termination of his contract just a week back, according to a report in The Indian Express.
The decision came as a complete surprise for the 54-year-old as he had conducted the draft auction for this season, featured in the cash-rich league's promotional videos and even his flight tickets booked by the production house.
"Would have been nice to be part of @IPL again. Was in fact looking forward to it. Favourite tournament. Hope #IPL9 is a blockbuster," Bhogle tweeted.
Popular sentiments on social media appeared to be in favour of Bhogle with fans as well as celebrities vouching for the inclusion of the senior commentator.
"Being an avid cricket fan,will surely miss @bhogleharsha not on the Mike. BCCI think again! He is a star commentator and knowledgable too," tweeted senior Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor.
"I was a nervous wreck while hosting IPL3, it was @bhogleharshawho dragged me to the commentary box to observe &learn. Miss u on the mic sir," read actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s tweet.
Image: Former Indian cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu with Harsha Bhogle (Right) on the sets of IPL Season 5 Extraaa Innings.
