Isa Guha: Cricket commentator forced to apologise after calling Jasprit Bumrah ‘most valuable primate’

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
Isa Guha has apologised for her “primate” comment.
Isa Guha has apologised for her “primate” comment. Credit: Fox Sports

Cricket commentator and former England representative player, Isa Guha, has been forced to apologise after calling Indian fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah the “most valuable primate”.

Prior to the commencement of play on Day 3 of the cricket Test match between Australia and India in Brisbane, Ms Guha, took time of the Fox Sports cricket coverage to defend her words when describing the Indian superstar during play on Tuesday.

“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” Guha said.

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“Firstly I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others, and 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 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’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 that there was no other intention or malice there. I hope that 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’m really, really sorry.”

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