Sanjay Manjrekar faces heat for latest ‘don't pay attention to North Indian players’ on-air remark at Women's T20 WC

Sanjay Manjrekar faces heat for latest ‘don't pay attention to North Indian players’ on-air remark at Women's T20 WC

Sanjay Manjrekar is not unknown to controversies and the ex-India cricketer has once again landed in trouble for his remarks while commentating in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup in UAE. The incident is from the India vs New Zealand encounter, which the former lost by 58 runs at the Dubai International Stadium in UAE on Friday. Manjrekar, who is part of the Hindi commentary panel, was discussing India's fielding coach Munish Bali, following which the outrage on social media sparked.

Bali's name was pointed by the co-commentator, who informed that he was a former Punjab cricketer before switching to coaching. Manjrekar, however, was not aware about Bali but it was his response, which drew backlash from fans. "Sorry, meine unko pehechana nahin. North ke players ke saath mere zyaada dhyaan nahin hota. (Sorry, I didn’t recognize him. I don't pay a lot of attention to players from the North.),” Manjrekar was heard saying while commentating.

The remark by Manjrekar led to huge outburst on social media with many fans calling out him as "racist". Here are a few reactions:

I've no interest in North Indian Cricketers- Sanjay ManjrekarWhy so much hate ? pic.twitter.com/RBPkPvYuCJ
Sports_comedy (@sports_komedy) October 5, 2024

Sanjay Manjrekar said in a commentary that he has no interest in North Indian Cricketer.Nothing new, I already knew that guy promotes racism Kartik Sehgal (@kartik_vlsi) October 4, 2024

Called Jadeja a bits and pieces player.Called Hardik a useless player in white-ball.Always runs an agenda against Virat Kohli.Now says he has no interest in North Indian players.
I think its rightfully time to ban Sanjay Manjrekar for once and all #bansanjaymanjrekar H. (@cmoncheeeks) October 4, 2024

This man is now openly showing his hatred towards North Indian players.Sanjay Manjrekar has been the flag bearer of the thugs of Mumbai Lobby.This man should never be near the commentary mic with his absolute bias against NORTH INDIAN PLAYERS..Sack him Star sports #INDwNZw https://t.co/NJNZQ99P7Q Cover Drive (@day6596) October 4, 2024

Sanjay Manjrekar said in a commentary that he has no interest in North Indian Cricketer.How @BCCI allow this person in commentary ?? He is only nepotism kid and member of rohit pr team . @JayShah #iccworldcup
viratian (@Sharmanav2) October 5, 2024

If we talk about Bali, he was the fielding coach of India U-19 before taking the role in the women's team. And if we talk about India's fielding in general in the Women's T20 World Cup encounter against New Zealand, it was below par. It started with Renuka Singh Thakur making an error in the deep, which resulted in boundary. Soon wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh failed to judge a ball and missed a dolly giving New Zealand opener Suzie Bates a second chance. There were other errors such as India missing out on a run-out opportunity after a mix-up between New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr. This was not it as New Zealand often ended up stealing doubles, which could have easily been prevented by the Indian fielders.

Also Read | 'Amelia Kerr knew she was out': Jemimah Rodrigues on IND vs NZ dead ball controversy, calls umpire's decision 'harsh'

Meanwhile, coming back to Manjrekar he had asked the crowd at Wankhede Stadium to "behave" while conducting a toss during IPL 2024 after loud chants against Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. This is not it. If we go back down the memory lane, Manjrekar had drawn flak from Ravindra Jadeja for calling him "bits and pieces cricketer."