PRESENTER Isa Guha issued an apology on live TV after calling an Indian cricketer a “primate”.
The BBC host was covering the third Test between Australia and India for Fox Sports when she inadvertently caused offence.
Bowler Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets on day two and Guha tried to praise his performance by claiming it transcended humans.
But her choice of words sparked backlash as she said: “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah.”
Back on live tele the following day, Guha, who has Indian heritage herself as her family hail from West Bengal, apologised.
She said: “Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways.
“Firstly I would 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 as well.
“I’m an advocate for equality and am someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.
“I’m trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I have chosen the wrong word. For that, I am deeply sorry.
“As someone who is also of South-Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise that there was no other intention or malice there.
“I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.
“But once again, I am really, really sorry.”
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri praised Guha for her response, saying: “First of all, brave woman. To do it on live television and apologise, it takes some steel.
“You heard it from the horse’s mouth, so as far as I am concerned, game over. We are all human and we are all entitled to make mistakes.
“To own up, put your hand up, and say ‘I’m sorry’, if things have gone out of place, it takes courage. She has done it, let’s move on.”
Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist echoed Shastri’s thoughts, adding: “We all know your professionalism, your integrity and your general level of compassion and concern for anyone that you engage with.
“So well done, you’ve got our full support.”
