Australia vs. India: Isa Guha apologises for calling Jasprit Bumrah a ‘primate’ on-air during third Test

Fox Cricket commentator Isa Guha has offered an unreserved apology for calling Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah a “primate” on-air, declaring no malice was involved.

Former England cricketer and leading broadcaster Isa Guha has apologised for describing Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah as the “most valuable primate” on Fox Cricket during day two of the third Test.

Fox began its coverage of day three with Guha’s mea culpa.

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

“Firstly I’d like to apologise for any offence cause. 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.”

Originally published as Australia vs. India: Isa Guha apologises for calling Jasprit Bumrah a ‘primate’ on-air during third Test