It was in 2006 that former Australian cricketer, Dean Jones was on the commentary panel of the South Africa-Sri Lanka test series. During the Colombo test match, Jones, while commenting on a catch taken by South African player Hashim Amla, called him a ‘terrorist’. This insensitive comment earned him criticism from all over the world and his career as a commentator pretty much ended after that.
Moral of the story is, one must think twice ten times before they say anything, especially when their voice is being recorded on live television. However, cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who faced flak for his attempt to troll Sania Mirza last year, probably didn’t learn anything from the Dean Jones fiasco.
During the high voltage match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians yesterday, Sanjay Manjeraker said something about Kieron Pollard that no commentator would be proud of.
“Pollard does not have the brains to play early in the innings.”
After hearing Manjrekar’s hurtful comments, Pollard was definitely not amused and took to Twitter to show his anger. While doing so, he didn’t mince his words at all.
And he just didn’t stop there. He also lectured Manjrekar on why one needs to think before they speak.
He also congratulated MI’s young brigade for getting the job done for the team.
Later, even Caribbean pacer Tino Best joined in on the conversation and even dragged Kevin Pietersen into it.
The wise thing to do for Mr Manjrekar now would be to apologise for his comments and uphold the sportsman spirit.
News Source: Deccan Chronicle