Commentator Harsha Bhogle has explained his absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Kolkata between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Gujarat Titans (GT). Contrary to reports suggesting that Bhogle and former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull were removed from the commentary team following a request from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to ban them from covering matches in Kolkata, Bhogle clarified that he was simply not scheduled to commentate for that particular game.

"There are some incorrect assumptions being made regarding my absence from yesterday's match in Kolkata. The fact is, I was not on the roster for that game! A simple inquiry could have clarified the matter. Rosters are established prior to the tournament's commencement. I was assigned to commentate on two matches in Kolkata. I attended the first, but due to a family illness, I was unable to be present for the second," Bhogle stated in a post on X.

Earlier reports indicated that the CAB had sent a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requesting a ban on Bhogle and Doull after they criticized the curators at Eden Gardens for failing to prepare a pitch suitable for KKR. A CAB official informed PTI, “Bhogle and Doull are no longer part of the IPL commentary team for KKR’s home matches. However, this situation may change when Eden hosts Qualifier 2 and the Final on May 23 and 25.”

Doull had remarked that KKR should consider relocating the franchise if the pitches being prepared do not meet their expectations. “If the curator is not considering the home team's needs... they are paying the stadium fees and for the IPL operations. If he continues to disregard their input, then perhaps the franchise should be moved. His role is not to express opinions on the game; that is not what he is compensated for,” Doull stated on Cricbuzz.

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