Former India leg spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from commentary duties for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), alleging racism and lack of opportunities during his 23-year tenure. The 60-year-old made the announcement through a series of posts on X, which have now gone viral.

Through his Responding to a user who suggested race could be a factor, she agreed, writing, “You’re right. Color discrimination.”

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Sivaramakrishnan wrote, “I am retiring from commentary for BCCI.”

He questioned why he was not given the opportunities that were given to new commentators.

He said, “If I have not been used to toss and presentation for 23 years and new people come in then what do you think could be the reason for this.”

Sivaramakrishnan further pointed out that even during the period when established names like Ravi Shastri were part of the team setup, they were not given such responsibilities, which suggests a long-standing pattern.

He said his decision to step down was not just about retirement, but also about raising questions about how production and role allocation works.

He wrote, “My retirement is no big deal. But a story of TV production comes to light. Soon you will see the bigger picture.”

Who is Laxman Sivaramakrishnan?

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan was one of India’s promising leg spinners in the early 1980s.

He played 9 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987, taking 26 wickets with three five-wicket hauls in Tests and 15 wickets in ODIs.

He made his Test debut during the 1983 tour of the West Indies and attracted early attention after taking seven wickets for two runs in a domestic game as a youngster.

One of his standout performances was against England in 1984, where he took 12 wickets in a match.

He was also part of the India team that won the 1985 World Championship in Australia, and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

After retiring from cricket, he moved into commentary and soon became a prominent voice for over two decades, known for his technical analysis, especially of spin bowling.

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Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Participation of Bangladesh cricketers in upcoming pakistan super league (PSL) 2026 is now uncertain, with the final decision dependent on government approval amid ongoing regional tensions. Total six players of Bangladesh- Mustafizur RahmanParvez Hussain Imon, noisy islamNahid Rana, Tanzeed Hasan Tamim and Rishad Hossain – were initially granted No Objection Certificates (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board after being selected in the league’s first auction. However, the situation is developing between Pakistan And Afghanistan has prompted the board to reconsider its participation, making government approval mandatory. BCB president of cricket operations Nazmul Abedin confirmed that the board will not take a final decision without consulting officials. “Of course, we will take permission from the government before sending our cricketers for the PSL. Under normal circumstances, these things are not required. We provide clearance; they go, play and return. But since the situation is not normal and there is a risk element with respect to the players, obviously we will discuss it with the government,” Abedin was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Thursday. “We would like to know from the government whether it will be safe to travel or not, and based on the government’s decision, we will have to take a final decision whether the players will go or not. Because it is not really possible for us to understand the situation there. It is possible for the government to know. The government will know, and if the government tells us that it is safe to go and the players can travel, then the players will go. But, in principle, we have decided that we will give the NOC, and they will go to play. But it depends on the situation at that time.” As it stands, if the players are cleared to participate in the PSL, they may miss Bangladesh’s preparation camps ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against the New Zealand national cricket team, which is scheduled to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is next month. BCB has already issued partial NOC to manage the availability of players under both the commitments. Mustafizur Rahman, contracted by Lahore Qalandars, has been given clearance from March 26 to April 12 and again from April 24 to May 3. He will take part in the ODI series against New Zealand but will miss the T20I phase. Meanwhile, Tanzeed Hasan Tamim, Shoriful Islam, Naheed Rana and Rishad Hussain have received NOCs valid till April 12, allowing them to play in both formats of the home series. On the other hand, Pervez Hussain Emon has been given permission till April 21 and is expected to be available for the T20I matches. Now keeping security concerns at the forefront, the final decision on Bangladesh players’ PSL participation will ultimately depend on the government, leaving their participation in the tournament in limbo.

Yuzvendra Chahal (Getty Images)

Chandigarh: As the countdown to the new IPL The season begins, Yuzvendra Chahal He has made candid comments about both the ambitions of his team Punjab Kings and his own resurgence. He admitted that last year was tough due to injuries and illness, adding that the leg spinner is entering the season with a new purpose. Chahal, who has been battling health issues, revealed that the time away from cricket tested him mentally and physically.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!“Last year was not easy,” Chahal said during the team’s jersey launch event in Mohali. “With the support of my family, friends and Punjab Management, I’ve been through it. I am feeling quite healthy now.”

In a conscious effort to reinvent himself, Chahal has made lifestyle changes that underline his commitment towards peak performance. He has given up alcohol, focused on getting better sleep, improved his diet and committed to consistently going to the gym. “I want to continue to improve every year,” he said. “I can’t promise specific results but I will give it my all on and off the field.”This phase also represents a mental reset for Chahal. “It’s about being better than yesterday,” he said. “Helping the young guys, supporting my teammates and giving my best. That’s what matters.” For Punjab Kings, last season was a promise that was not fulfilled. Chahal echoed that sentiment. “We played great cricket but missed the last minute,” he said. “This year, we are more confident. The core group is intact, the atmosphere is positive and everyone is coming in with good form.“The team has started preparations in the coming days with a 12-day camp aimed at improving strategies and adapting to the unpredictable home conditions.Despite being considered the main spinner, Chahal was quick to emphasize collective strength over individual roles. “There is no ‘main’ spinner. Wickets come from teamwork. Everyone contributes.”