The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has stirred controversy by sending a strongly worded letter to the BCCI, asking them to remove veteran commentators Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from all remaining IPL 2025 matches in Kolkata, as per a report by RevSportz.

The reason? Their critical remarks against Eden Gardens’ chief curator Sujan Mukherjee.

What Sparked the Outrage?

In the season opener, KKR reportedly wanted a spin-friendly pitch for their game against RCB. However, Sujan refused to tailor the pitch to their liking, following the BCCI rule that franchises must not interfere in pitch preparation. KKR’s lead spinner Varun Chakaravarthy struggled on the surface, conceding 43 runs in four overs.

This led Bhogle and Doull to openly criticize the curator on air.
Bhogle argued that home teams deserve an advantage and called Sujan's refusal to cooperate "unfair."
Doull went a step further, suggesting KKR should move out of Kolkata if the curator doesn't consider the home team’s needs.

CAB Defends Its Curator

CAB, backing Sujan Mukherjee, said he was simply following BCCI's guidelines — which clearly state that only the chief curator and BCCI-appointed officials are responsible for pitch preparation. Franchises and players are not to influence the process.

Sujan, responding to the backlash, made it clear:

“I don’t care what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull say. My responsibility is to the spectators, CAB, and BCCI.”

Will Bhogle & Doull Be Barred?

Although the BCCI hasn’t issued an official statement yet, Bhogle and Doull were notably absent during KKR's recent home match against Gujarat Titans. With six more matches to be played in Kolkata — including Qualifier 2 and the IPL final — it's unclear whether the duo will be allowed to return.

As the pitch debate grows louder, the clash between broadcasters, franchises, and curators is adding new drama to IPL 2025 — and not the kind seen on the field.