Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan was a renowned voice from the 1990s to the 2010s. He was regularly seen in the commentary box doing pre-match shows and pitch reports. However, he suddenly disappeared from international matches and was seen only in India’s domestic matches. The reason for his dismissal from international forums is still unknown.
After staying away from international commentary for a long time, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from commentary and has held the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responsible for his decision.
The former spinner stepped away from BCCI commentary on Friday and expressed his displeasure in a series of tweets about the lack of opportunity to carry out toss and presentation duties, which he believed limited his role. He was known for his expert opinions both on social media and in the commentary box.
I am retiring from commentary for BCCI
– Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) 20 March 2026
Explaining his reasoning, he directly targeted the Indian board with his words. Given his extensive career in broadcasting, many cricket fans were surprised by his decision to step down. In his post, he clearly stated that it was a conscious decision, as he wanted to respect the decision and was happy to fully contribute and be recognized in the role.
I am very happy- Laxman Sivaramakrishnan
He posted on In another post, he hit out at BCCI while talking about his experience in commentary and the roles he is rarely assigned.
He wrote on X, “If I have not been used to toss and presentation for 23 years and new people come to pitch report toss presentation, even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason for this.”
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan said, “This retirement is the beginning of a story which, when told, will be completely shocked by the general public, cricket fans and everyone else. I am very happy that the people who hate me are happy. But the people who thought I was at least decent. Thank you. The BCCI will be left with disbelief.”
If I am not used to toss and presentation for 23 years and new people coming to pitch report toss presentation, even when Shastri was coaching, what do you think could be the reason?
– Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) 20 March 2026
BCCI ignored old faces
In the last few years, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has not been seen in any major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the World Cup. Players like Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bhogle and Murali Karthik have been given priority over him for the toss and post-match presentations. Nor has he been seen commenting in the regional language in the Tamil panel.
After this announcement, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is surprised by Laxman Sivaramakrishnan’s decision just ahead of the upcoming season. The former said on X, “Oh no! Why not IPL?”
Tata IPL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 28, 2026, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening game. Due to the assembly elections in India, only 20 match fixtures have been released by the BCCI.
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