Sanjay Manjrekar’s statement “North ke players…” attracts flak from the internet

This isn’t the first time that former cricketer turned commentator has sparked fury among people with his comments on air.

Former India and Mumbai cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has once again found himself at the receiving end of criticism after his comments on air. He came under fire for an ill-advised comment made on air during the India vs. New Zealand Women’s T20 match. The commentator is known for his outspoken nature, but missteps made on live broadcasts, even in the past, have attracted flak from people on the internet.

Sanjay Manjrekar comments, “North ke players..”

During his commentary for the Hindi broadcast team, the panel discussed Munish Bali, the fielding coach for the women’s team, after having stepped over from the U-19 men’s unit. Manjrekar’s commentary partner discussed Bali and pointed out that he was a former Punjab cricketer before his fielding coach role. However, Manjrekar responded, “Sorry, meine unko pehechana nahin. North ke players ke saath mera zyaada dhyaan nahin hota. (Sorry, I didn’t recognize him. I am not too aware of players from the North.)”

Fans react to Sanjay Manjrekar’s comments.

Manjrekar’s comments didn’t go down well, and netizens felt this was reflected in the ignorance of cricketers from elsewhere in the country and a lack of awareness of the Indian women’s team’s ranks in this World Cup. The comment also rankled given the team’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, also hails from Punjab. Posting the comment of Majrekar on X, one user wrote, “Experts: The Mumbai Lobby doesn’t exist. It’s a figment of people’s imagination. The Mumbai Lobby: (posted Manjrekar’s comment)” Another user wrote, “Pathetic. Should be sacked immediately.” Another wrote, “@BCCI why Sanjay Manjrekar is even in the commentary panel. Why he can’t do proper research and seriously embarrass himself.” One more commented, “Sanjay Manjrekar said, ‘I don’t pay much attention to players from the North.’ Mumbai Lobby is a real thing!!”

Previously, Sanjay Manjrekar has been in hot water for his on-air commentary on several occasions, like the misguided remark toward co-commentator Harsha Bhogle during India’s tour of Australia in 2019, after which he even apologized for his unprofessionalism. He was most recently criticized for handling a special occasion during the toss in a Rajasthan Royals IPL match.