Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan announced his retirement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commentary panel on Friday, citing lack of opportunities and alleging discrimination based on colour. The move has sparked a mixed reaction among fans and the cricketing fraternity.

Sivaramakrishnan, who played nine Tests and 16 One Day Internationals for India during the 1980s, expressed his frustrations on his social media account, stating that he had been overlooked for key roles such as conducting tosses and presentation ceremonies. He suggested that the limited opportunities extended to him over the years might have been influenced by discriminatory practices.

"If I have not been used for tosses and presentations for 23 years, and newcomers are brought in even when Ravi Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason?" Sivaramakrishnan wrote, directly referencing the BCCI’s handling of commentary roles. In response to a fan, he explicitly mentioned “colour discrimination” as a factor behind his decision.

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The announcement drew immediate attention online, leaving fans divided. Some expressed support for Sivaramakrishnan’s candid remarks, while others debated the allegations. Legendary India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted, expressing disappointment at the sudden decision, tweeting, "Oh no! Why not this IPL?"

Sivaramakrishnan began his commentary career in 2000 and has also served as a player representative on the ICC Cricket Committee. As a player, he was known for his remarkable performances in the mid-1980s, including a 12-wicket haul against England in 1984 and a key role in India’s victorious 1985 Benson & Hedges World Championship campaign in Australia under Sunil Gavaskar’s captaincy.

During the 1985 tournament, Sivaramakrishnan was the leading wicket-taker and played a pivotal role in India’s final win over Pakistan, helping restrict the opposition to 176/9 in challenging Australian conditions. His career highlights and decades of involvement in cricket have made his retirement from the commentary panel a notable development in Indian cricket circles.

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