Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 20: Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has announced his decision to step away from commentary duties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing long-standing dissatisfaction over limited responsibilities.

The 60-year-old took to social media platform X to confirm his exit, stating, “I am retiring from commentary for BCCI.” His announcement drew widespread attention from cricket fans and the broadcasting fraternity.

Responding to queries about his decision, Sivaramakrishnan expressed frustration over not being assigned key on-field roles such as toss and presentation duties during his long stint. “If I have not been used for tosses and presentations for 23 years and newcomers are doing pitch reports, tosses and presentations… what do you think could be the reason,” he wrote.

In recent years, prominent roles during match broadcasts have often gone to figures like Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle, while others have also handled similar duties, leaving Sivaramakrishnan sidelined.

Striking a defiant tone, he hinted at deeper issues behind his decision. “This retirement is only the beginning of a story… cricket fans and everyone will be utterly shocked,” he said, adding that the full details would emerge later.

Sivaramakrishnan, a leg-spinner, rose to prominence during India’s triumph in the 1985 World Championship. He played nine Tests, taking 26 wickets, and featured in 16 ODIs, claiming 15 wickets. After his playing career, he remained associated with the game through domestic cricket and commentary.

Reacting to the development, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed surprise, posting, “Oh no! Why not this IPL?” on X.

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match in Bengaluru. The BCCI has announced the initial schedule of 20 matches, with the full fixture list to be released later.